Indigenous practices for management of epilepsy by traditional healers in South Africa

Abstract

Objective: to determine the indigenous practices that are used to manage epilepsy in South Africa rural communities.Material and methods. A qualitative, ethnographic technique that was exploratory and descriptive was used. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to select a group of 17 traditional healers for in-depth interviews at their homes. The data were analysed through the open coding data analysis method.Results. The traditional healers had different perspectives on the origins and treatment plans of epilepsy based on their knowledge of the disease and their training. They used plants and alternative measures, even though western medicine was still used. The traditional healers’ status in rural communities was acceptable and their treatment modalities were preferred.Conclusion. Traditional healers and primary health care providers must work collaboratively to educate communities on the importance of integrating biomedicine and indigenous practices, as traditional healers had strong inspirations from the communities.

Perspective Chapter: Stigma and Its Impact on People Living with Epilepsy in Rural Communities

“…Cultural beliefs and superstitions significantly influence the perception of epilepsy in many rural communities [8,34,37,43,44]. Some cultures attribute seizures to spiritual or supernatural causes, associating them with curses, evil spirits, or divine punishment.…”

Caregivers’ and Family Members’ Knowledge Attitudes and Practices (KAP) towards Epilepsy in Rural Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa

“…Subsequently, family members and caregivers’ lives are altered and, to some degree, burdened by living with or caring for a person with epilepsy [ 3 , 4 ]. This may influence practices toward PLWE, especially during a seizure, because it was found that about 80% of Africans consult traditional healers and engage in traditional rituals in an attempt to stop the seizure or cure epilepsy [ 5 ]. Some of these rituals include herb steaming and using gonono (Black coloured insect) and plant mixtures [ 5 ].…”

“…This may influence practices toward PLWE, especially during a seizure, because it was found that about 80% of Africans consult traditional healers and engage in traditional rituals in an attempt to stop the seizure or cure epilepsy [ 5 ]. Some of these rituals include herb steaming and using gonono (Black coloured insect) and plant mixtures [ 5 ]. This supports the idea that there is a need to provide informational support to family members and caregivers [ 6 ].…”