Attitude of Residents of a Rural Community in South-South, Nigeria towards Alternative Medical Therapy

Background: Up to 80 percent of Africans are reported to use some form of alternative medical therapy (AMT) to meet their health needs. There are gaps in knowledge relating to attitude towards AMT in south- south Nigeria. An understanding of beliefs and the prevailing factors that influence the patronage of traditional medicine in this environment may help inform policy interventions.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the awareness of and attitude towards AMT amongst the inhabitants of a rural community in south-south Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional survey involving 300 respondents selected by a two stage sampling technique, using a self-designed interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Results were presented as proportions with chi-squared test done to determine associations. Level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results: Mean age of the 300 respondents was 35.7±11.7 with 237 persons (79.0%) earning less than $250 monthly and 168 (56.0%) having secondary education. Majority 297 (99%) were aware of AMT and 287 (95.7%) cited herbal concoctions as the most prevalent method. Few were aware of side effects of AMT 71 (23.7%). Majority 208 (69.3%) preferred AMT to orthodox treatment, and were willing to refer others to AMT practitioners. Of these 159 (76.4%) claimed AMT to be more effective and 140 (67.3%) more affordable. Age of respondents, educational status, occupation and average monthly income were all found to be associated with preference of AMT (p<0.5).

Conclusion: Alternative medical therapy is favoured by majority of the respondents in spite of the risks. Public enlightenment campaigns, better regulation, and implementation of community health insurance for affordable health care are advocated.