A survey of treatment practices for febrile illnesses among Traditional Healers in the Nigerian Middle Belt Zone

Bibliographic Data

ID20345972
AuthorsOladunni Osowole (University of Ibadan), E O Ajaiyeoba (0000-0003-0947-7107, University of Ibadan), Edith Ajaiyeoba, Olayinka Bolaji (University of Ibadan), Dora Akinboye (University of Ibadan), Olufumilayo Fawole (University of Ibadan), Catherine Grace Gbotosho (University of Ibadan), Omonike O Ogbole (0000-0002-6487-9494, Olabisi Onabanjo University), Omonike Ogbole, J S Ashidi (0000-0001-9214-6063, University of Ibadan), Joseph Ashidi, Oyindamola O Abiodun (0000-0002-6629-3016, Olabisi Onabanjo University), Oyindamola Abiodun, Catherine Faladed (University of Ibadan), Woquan Sama (University of Ibadan), Oladimeji Oladepo (0000-0002-2475-5729, University of Ibadan), Oludele Itiola, Oludele A Itiola (University of Ibadan), Ayoade Oduola (0000-0001-6891-785X), A M J Oduola (University of Ibadan)
Year2005
Volume2
Issue3
Publication date2005-08-09
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAfrican Journal of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicines (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0189-6016 • E-ISSN: 2505-0044
PublisherAfrican Journals Online (AJOL) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.4314/ajtcam.v2i3.31132
OpenAlexW2134651276
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited2

This survey was conducted to investigate the pattern of treatment practices for febrile illnesses among one hundred and eighty five traditional healers from the Nigerian Middle belt zone ethnomedicine. Data collection was through use of the semi structure questionnaire administered by trained interviewers recruited from the study sites - Gboko and Katsina Ala Local Government Areas. A total of 176 (95.1%) reportedly diagnosed through the presenting complaints and symptoms and 3 (1.6%) made diagnoses through divination. All the respondents indicated their referral practices, with 100 (54.1%) of the respondents reported that they had once referred clients. Respondents listed 164 plants used in the preparation of the various treatment modalities. Institution of treatment follows this diagnostic practice. Treatment of different febrile illnesses involve the use of liquid herbs, powdered herbs, medicinal scarifications, incantations and sacrifices which suggests the confidence this group has in the efficacy of their herbs for treating febrile illnesses. An appreciable level of referral 54.1% practice was also found among the traditional healers. The findings of this study strengthen the need to recognize the traditional health practitioners in the treatment of health problems especially febrile illnesses, and to establish quality control mechanism in partnership with them to improve their treatment practices. Key words: fever, traditional, treatment practices, Nigeria, middle belt Afr. J. Trad. Comp. Alt. Med. Vol.2(3) 2005: 337 - 344

Alternative medicine · Family medicine · Referral · Traditional medicine · African Botany and Ecology Studies · Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies · Medicine · Viral Infections and Vectors

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