Traditional healers and the potential for collaboration with the national tuberculosis programme in Vanuatu: results from a mixed methods study

Abstract

BackgroundThis study was conducted in the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. Our objective was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practice of traditional healers who treat lung diseases and tuberculosis (TB), including their willingness to collaborate with the national TB programme.MethodsThis was a descriptive study using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative analysis was based on the responses provided to closed-ended questions, and we used descriptive analysis (frequencies) to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practice of the traditional healers towards TB. Qualitative analysis was based on open-ended questions permitting fuller explanations. We used thematic analysis and developed a posteriori inductive categories to draw original and unbiased conclusions.ResultsNineteen traditional healers were interviewed; 18 were male. Fifteen of the healers reported treating short wind (a local term to describe lung, chest or breathing illnesses) which they attributed to food, alcohol, smoking or pollution from contact with menstrual blood, and a range of other physical and spiritual causes. Ten said that they would treat TB with leaf medicine. Four traditional healers said that they would not treat TB. Twelve of the healers had referred someone to a hospital for a strong wet-cough and just over half of the healers (9) reported a previous collaboration with the Government health care system. Eighteen of the traditional healers would be willing to collaborate with the national TB programme, with or without compensation.ConclusionsTraditional healers in Vanuatu treat lung diseases including TB. Many have previously collaborated with the Government funded health care system, and almost all of them indicated a willingness to collaborate with the national TB programme. The engagement of traditional healers in TB management should be considered, using an evidence based and culturally sensitive approach.

Collaborative HIV care in primary health care: nurses’ views

“…() and Viney et al. () confirms that the engagement of THPs might facilitate early diagnosis of HIV and AIDS.…”

“…Collaborative practice is described as 'multiple health workers including THPs from different backgrounds working together with patients, families, caregivers and communities to deliver the highest quality of care' (WHO 2015). Viney et al (2014) confirmed that collaborative care to patients may lead to improved health outcomes especially chronic diseases such as HIV and AIDS. Peu (2014) also suggested the formation of partnerships and collaboration to promote the health of child-headed families that have been orphaned by HIV and AIDS.…”

“…Similarly, in Vanuatu, traditional healers were confirmed to be treating lung disease and most of them worked in collaboration with the government funded health system (Viney et al. ). They further suggested consideration of traditional healers in tuberculosis management (Viney et al.…”

“…They further suggested consideration of traditional healers in tuberculosis management (Viney et al. ). Kaboru et al.…”

“…Viney et al. () confirmed that collaborative care to patients may lead to improved health outcomes especially chronic diseases such as HIV and AIDS. Peu () also suggested the formation of partnerships and collaboration to promote the health of child‐headed families that have been orphaned by HIV and AIDS.…”