Rural Inhabitants and Patronage of Traditional Medicine: A Study of Pregnant Mothers (Women) in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria
- July 7, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Sociology
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue VI, June 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186
Adepoju, Sodiq Olakunle, Owumi, B.E. (Ph.D.)
Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract:-The use of traditional medicine has been on the increase in many developing and industrialized countries. This high use may be due to accessibility, affordability, availability and acceptability by majority of the population especially among the rural dwellers who have a strong perception of its efficacy in overcoming a myriad of health challenges including maternity issues. With the hybrid of quantitative and qualitative research techniques, this study examined Rural Inhabitants and the Utilization of Traditional Medicine among Pregnant Mothers in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State. One Hundred and Fifty Five (155) questionnaires were administered among the respondents out of which One Hundred and Forty-Four (144) valid responses were obtained. In addition, twenty-one (21) IDIs and fifteen (15) KIIs were conducted to further ascertain the findings. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, the result showed that the respondents had positive disposition towards traditional medicine, perceived traditional medicine to be effective in tackling the pregnancy-related challenges, and that traditional medicine does not lead to fetus-maternal complications. Recommendations is that health care providers should take into consideration the prevailing cultural practices in the communities in designing health education and messages that will promote the positive cultural practices and reduce the impact of negative ones among pregnant women. In addition, efforts should be intensified towards explore willingness towards co-operation, assess failures and successes of both health systems and advocate clarity in dosages.
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Traditional medicine is very popular in most parts of the world. This art of medicine includes diverse health practices, methods, knowledge and beliefs about integrating plant, animal, and/or mineral-based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual skills, and exercises applied singly or in combination to maintain well-being as well as treat, diagnose or prevent illness (WHO, 2013). According to the European Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (EICCAM, 2013), the use of traditional medicine has grown considerably worldwide.
