Sociological Study on Socioeconomic and Cultural Influence on Traditional Medicine Acceptability and Use among Rural Households in Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Traditional medicine is an integral part of health care services in many developing countries, especially in rural areas where orthodox health care service provision is scarce. The use and acceptance of traditional medicine are still rising in Nigeria because of the many socioeconomic factors, cultural beliefs, perceived success, low cost and availability. The study looked at the socioeconomic and cultural factors affecting acceptability and utilization of traditional medicine among rural households in Yobe State, Nigeria. The study was done using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information from the rural household heads and adult residents of selected communities within the state of Yobe. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings showed that the traditional medicine was widely accepted and used by the rural households because of cultural attachment, accessibility, low cost of the medicine and trust in the traditional healers. The study also revealed that the educational level, income status, occupation, religious affiliation, family influence and accessibility to health care were important factors affecting the utilization of traditional medicine. Most of the respondents agreed that traditional medicine was effective in the treatment of common ailments and others used both traditional and orthodox medicine simultaneously. The researchers found that socioeconomic and cultural factors have a significant effect on the acceptability and utilization of traditional medicine among the rural households in Yobe State. The study made the following recommendations: Regulation of the traditional medicine practices, incorporation of safe traditional health care into primary healthcare, public awareness of safe healthcare practices and better access to orthodox health care in rural communities.