Predictors of Traditional Medicines Utilisation in the Ghanaian Health Care Practice: Interrogating the Ashanti Situation

Abstract

Traditional medicine (TRM) use remains universal among individuals, families and communities the world over but the predictive variables of TRM use is still confounding. This population-based study analysed the predictors of TRM use in Ashanti Region, Ghana. A retrospective cross-sectional quantitative survey involving systematic random sampled participants (N = 324) was conducted. Structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used as research instruments. Data were analysed with logit regression, Pearson's Chi square and Fisher's exact tests from the PASW for Windows application (V. 17.0). Overall, 86.1 % (n = 279) reported use of TRM with biologically-based and distant/prayer therapies as the major forms of TRM utilised in the previous 12 months. Among the general population, TRM use was predicted by having low-income levels [odds ratio (OR) 2.883, confidence interval (CI) 1.142-7.277], being a trader (OR 2.321, CI 1.037-5.194), perceiving TRM as effective (OR 4.430, CI 1.645-11.934) and safe (OR 2.730, CI 0.986-4.321), good affective behaviour of traditional medical practitioner (TMP) (OR 2.943, CI 0.875-9.896) and having chronic ill-health (OR 3.821, CI 1.213-11.311). The prevalence of TRM use is high. The study provides evidence that people's experience, personal attributes, health beliefs, attitude to TRM, attitude of TMP to clients and medical history are largely accountable for the upsurge use of TRM rather than socio-demographic factors. Understanding the health-seeking behaviour of individuals is exigent to ascribe appropriate medical care by health care providers.

Unconventional medical practices among Ghanaian students: A university-based survey

“…This finding is congruent with previously reported discoveries in Ghana and other parts of Africa 26, 27. The major sources of the medical interventions to students include purchases from pharmacy shops and prayer/faith healers.…”

Traditional medicines and alternative practice in the management of prostate diseases in southern Ghana

“…Some medicines may have high levels of active constituents and thus lead to over-dose while others may have little or no active constituents at all, and may at best be described as placebos. 8 Without proper quality control, there is no assurance that the herbal product contained in the bottle is the same as what is stated on the label. 34 Standardization must therefore be pursued.…”

“…Traditional medicines in Ghana range from individual one-product, home-made product, to family-size and occasionally large scale production where the products are distributed and sold in Chemical and Pharmacy shops in the country. 8 As noted earlier, Ghana has a dual system of medical practice that recognizes both traditional and orthodox medical practices in law and promotes their coexistence. This is intended to allow access by the greatest number of citizens 21 , thus there is inclusion of some traditional medicinal products in Ghana's essential drug list.…”

“…7 A study found that low-income levels, being a trader, perceiving traditional medicines as effective and safe, good affective behavior of traditional medicinal practitioner and having chronic ill health as predictors of utilization of traditional medicines among Ghanaians. 8 Herbal medicine, botanical medicine or phytomedicine refers to using plant components such as seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. 9 It has been noted that Traditional Medical practice has long been used outside of conventional medicine but mainly for primary health care.…”

“…In line with the current incorporation into the mainstream medical services of traditional medicines, more patients are resorting to Traditional Medicine to address their ailments. 8 This includes prostate conditions.…”