Seizures in Namibia: A study of traditional health practitioners

Abstract

SummaryObjectiveCountries in sub‐Saharan Africa are plagued by poor healthcare facilities, lack of specialist care, and limited financial resources. People with seizures often rely on the help of traditional health practitioners (THPs). Traditional health practices are not acknowledged in Namibia and remain unregulated and open to exploitation. We conducted a qualitative study to gain an understanding of THPs’ perceptions and experiences in delivering seizure care in Namibia.MethodsThis study formed part of a larger mixed‐method study that explored seizure care among healthcare providers (HCPs) in Namibia. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 THPs in Namibia. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes in the data. Themes were interpreted using the different levels of Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory to illustrate the perceptions and experiences of THPs in the management of seizures.ResultsTHPs distinguish between seizures with physical causes and those caused by witchcraft, evil spirits, and supernatural forces. THPs acknowledge the role of Western medicine in the treatment of medically explained seizures (physical causes). Seizures as a result of medically unexplained symptoms (spiritual) are deemed best treated by traditional medicine (TM). Diagnostic and treatment practices are person‐specific and are guided by divination and the use of plant and animal material. Treatment success is measured by the complete absence of seizures. Biomedical treatment is seen as lacking due to its focus on seizure control and failure to provide a permanent cure.SignificanceIn countries with limited healthcare resources, the untapped potential of THPs may play a valuable role in bridging the treatment gap for seizures. Incorporating THPs into the healthcare system depends on proper regulation and clear demarcation of roles between service providers. Improved referral practices and collaboration between service providers will be of benefit for people with seizures who are often exposed to stigma and discrimination.

Sociodemographic Characteristics of Traditional Healers and Their Knowledge of Noma: A Descriptive Survey in Three Regions of Mali

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Legislative landscape for traditional health practitioners in Southern African development community countries: a scoping review

“…During 2007, the Namibian government was conceptualising the integration of THPs into Namibian primary healthcare by identifying THPs as home-based care workers 30 31. In 2014, the Namibian THP Bill was tabled in the National Assembly however it is yet to be promulgated 32…”

Management of epilepsy through indigenous traditional and Western approaches in Africa: A systematic review

“…In Africa, the management of seizures is unique to each person and is always led by what the spirits tell about the person and the cause of the illness (Du Toit & Pretorius 2018 ). Each traditional health practitioner employs different ceremonies and herbal preparations during treatment as instructed by the spirit (Du Toit & Pretorius 2018 ). Other practices include using plant materials, insects, healing prayers and laying hands (Du Toit & Pretorius 2018 ).…”

“…Each traditional health practitioner employs different ceremonies and herbal preparations during treatment as instructed by the spirit (Du Toit & Pretorius 2018 ). Other practices include using plant materials, insects, healing prayers and laying hands (Du Toit & Pretorius 2018 ). Another type of herbal medicine belongs to the supernatural realm and is only known to traditional healers.…”

“…Another type of herbal medicine belongs to the supernatural realm and is only known to traditional healers. As epilepsy is caused by witchcraft, it is assumed that epilepsy requires some antidote against the ‘poison of witches’ (Du Toit & Pretorius 2018 ). Witchcraft-induced seizures can be cured by treatment with an antidote comprising of the same ingredients used in the original witchcraft (Baskind & Birbeck 2005 ).…”