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Workie Limenh L, Emagn Kasahun A, Ayalew Tessema T, Kerie Anagaw Y, Simegn W, Ayenew W. Assessment of traditional healers' knowledge and utilization of pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies in the Amhara region, North West Ethiopia. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2024; 62:261-268. [PMID: 38389287 PMCID: PMC10896146 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2024.2318795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies play a vital role in the quality of traditional medicines, they have not received much attention from stakeholders and researchers nationally and internationally. OBJECTIVE This study assesses traditional healers' knowledge and utilization of pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies in the Amhara region, North West Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on 70 traditional healers. The data were collected using an interview-based questionnaire. The collected data were checked and entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 for analysis. The results were presented as percentages. The association between socio-demographic characteristics and traditional healers' knowledge of pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies was examined using Pearson's Chi-squares test. RESULTS About 90% of traditional healers had information about pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies, and currently 80% of them used different pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies individually and in combination with traditional equipment. Although most traditional healers used different pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies, only 13.3% of them used equipment and supplies a day. Only 15% of traditional healers continuously cleaned their equipment. None of the socio-demographic variables were significantly associated to the knowledge of pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies used by traditional healers was inconsistent, mainly associated with their habit of using self-prepared and home-available equipment. Moreover, the checkup status of compounding equipment was poor. As Traditional healers provide high-patient care services, emphasis should be given to improving their preparation and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liknaw Workie Limenh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Asmamaw Emagn Kasahun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tewodros Ayalew Tessema
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yeniewa Kerie Anagaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wudneh Simegn
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wondim Ayenew
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Audet CM, Seabi T, Oyekunle T, Hove J, Wagner RG. A individually randomized controlled trial comparing Healer-led vs. clinician- led training to improve personal protective equipment use among traditional healers in South Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002945. [PMID: 38394119 PMCID: PMC10889871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Like allopathic healthcare workers, healers are also exposed to patients' blood and body fluids. A widespread practice is the traditional "injection," in which the healer performs subcutaneous incisions to rub herbs directly into the bloodied skin, resulting in 1,500 blood exposures over their lifetime. We tested the impact of healer-led PPE training, staffed by trained traditional healers who reported using PPE during each risky clinical encounter vs. healthcare worker (HCW)-led PPE training sessions. We randomized 136 healers into one of the two study arms (67 in the healer-led group, 69 in the HCW-led group) and assessed the impact of trainer on PPE skills and use over a six-month period. All healers received one in-person day of didactic and practical training followed by three sessions at the healers' home. Participants were largely female (80%), averaged 51 years old, and practiced as a healer for an average of 17 years. Almost 44% either disclosed themselves as HIV+ or received a positive HIV test result at study initiation. Healers in the HCW arm showed equivalent PPE scores as those trained by traditional healers at baseline and at seven months. Healers in both arms self-reported high levels of glove use during"injections," with no statistical difference of use by study arm. When we assessed actual gloves and razor blades disposed of each month, a similar trend emerged. No one seroconverted during the study period. The need for PPE support among traditional healers cannot be ignored. Traditional healers can be trained to effectively disseminate PPE knowledge and skills to other traditional healers. With an estimated 200,000 traditional healers in South Africa, it is imperative that all of them have access to PPE training and supplies to prevent HIV, HCV, or HBV infections. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04440813. Registered 17 June 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04440813.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M. Audet
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Tshegofatso Seabi
- MRC/Wits Agincourt Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Taofik Oyekunle
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Hove
- MRC/Wits Agincourt Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ryan G. Wagner
- MRC/Wits Agincourt Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Moeta M, Musie MR, Seretlo RJ, Ledimo M, Rasweswe MM, Makhavhu E, Mulaudzi FM. Traditional health practitioners' training needs on biomedical knowledge and skills in a South African township. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2023; 15:e1-e9. [PMID: 37916725 PMCID: PMC10696894 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.3923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional health practitioners (THPs) play an important role in communities by providing necessary health services for a variety of health problems. Possessing complementary biomedical knowledge and skills is vital in saving lives of patients. However, less is known about biomedical knowledge and skills among THPs. AIM This study aimed to explore and describe the training needs of THPs on biomedical knowledge and skills in urban townships in South Africa. SETTING The study was conducted in a township in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality of Gauteng province, South Africa. METHODS A qualitative, explorative, descriptive design with 18 THPs was employed through snowballing sampling. Data were collected through a lekgotla group discussion and thematic content analysis undertaken. RESULTS Themes that emanated include knowledge of the basic physiological functioning of the human body; biomedical knowledge and skills required for the assessment of patients; managing emergency health conditions and understanding diagnostic concepts used in traditional health practice versus biomedical systems. CONCLUSION Traditional health practitioners have demonstrated interest in being trained on certain skills used within the biomedical system to care for patients. Performing the necessary first-aid skills by THPs will assist patients in the communities while waiting for emergency services or referrals. Provision of training programmes for THPs on first aid interventions during emergencies is therefore recommended.Contribution: The study revealed that capacitating THPs with biomedical knowledge and skills can improve their ability to promote healthy living and prevent health problems in communities where access to resources is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabitja Moeta
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria.
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Ndou-Mammbona AA. The effects of traditional healing on HIV and AIDS management: An ethnographic study. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2022; 64:e1-e8. [PMID: 36073104 PMCID: PMC9453193 DOI: 10.4102/safp.v64i1.5559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This article presents the effects of traditional healing on the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the Vhembe district, South Africa. The Vhembe district is one of the rural districts in Limpopo Province, South Africa, in which traditional healers are used as the first point of consultation for most ailments, regardless of their causes. Methods This ethnographic study was based on Leininger’s theory of culture care diversity and universality. It was carried out in selected villages in the Vhembe district. Observation and interviews with 15 purposively selected key informants, who are traditional healers, were used to collect data. Interviews were tape-recorded and field notes were also taken. The data were analysed using the ethnographic content analysis method. Results The results suggest that traditional healing has both negative and positive effects on HIV and AIDS management. The positive effects are the effective treatment of some opportunistic infections, such as diarrhoea, skin lesions and childhood diseases. Negative effects, however, include incisions to let the ‘dirty blood flow out’ and inducing of vomiting and diarrhoea, which may lead to anaemia, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Some traditional healers are of the view that HIV does not exist and that people either have an ancestral calling or are bewitched. Even though their claims have not been scientifically proven, some traditional healers stated that they can heal HIV and AIDS. Conclusion The research brings insight as to whether Vhavenda traditional healing has a favourable or unfavourable impact on HIV and AIDS management. Using Leininger’s steps for adaptation for culture care diversity and universality will help with re-Africanisation of HIV management. The researcher recommend the modification of practices with a high risk of HIV infection to reduce this risk, whilst also supporting the continuation of beneficial practices that reduce HIV mortality, such as diarrhoea management.
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Nabukalu D, Ponticiello M, Bennett T, Clark S, King R, Mwanga-Amumpaire J, Sundararajan R. Factors associated with HIV testing among traditional healers and their clients in rural Uganda: Results from a cross-sectional study. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:1043-1051. [PMID: 33978547 PMCID: PMC8542622 DOI: 10.1177/09564624211015028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Uptake of HIV testing is suboptimal in Uganda, particularly in rural communities. Reaching UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals requires strategies to increase HIV testing among hard-to-reach populations. This cross-sectional study sought to characterize engagement with HIV testing among traditional healers and their clients in rural Uganda. We enrolled 175 traditional healers and 392 adult clients of healers in Mbarara District. The primary outcome for this study was having received an HIV test in the prior 12 months. Most clients (n = 236, 65.9%) had received an HIV test within 12 months, compared to less than half of healers (n = 75, 46.3%) who had not. In multivariate regression models, male clients of healers were half as likely to have tested in the past year, compared with female (adjusted odds ratios (AORs) = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.26-0.70). Increasing age negatively predicted testing within the past year (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.93-0.97) for clients. Among healers, more sexual partners predicted knowing ones serostatus (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.03-2.48). Healers (AOR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.26) and clients (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.13-1.34 for clients) with greater numbers of lifetime HIV tests were more likely to have tested in the past year. Traditional healers and their clients lag behind UNAIDS benchmarks and would benefit from programs to increase HIV testing uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Nabukalu
- Department of Community Health, 108123Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Matthew Ponticiello
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 12295Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Bennett
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 12295Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sunday Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 12295Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel King
- Global Health Sciences, 8785University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Juliet Mwanga-Amumpaire
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, 108123Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Radhika Sundararajan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 12295Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Center for Global Health, New York, NY, USA
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Audet CM, Shepherd BE, Aliyu MH, Moshabela M, Pettapiece-Phillips MJ, Wagner RG. Healer-led vs. clinician-led training to improve personal protective equipment use among traditional healers in South Africa: a randomized controlled trial protocol. Glob Health Action 2021; 14:1898131. [PMID: 33797347 PMCID: PMC8023590 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2021.1898131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
There are estimated two million traditional healers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with more than 10% (200,000) working in South Africa. Traditional healers in SSA are frequently exposed to bloodborne pathogens through the widespread practice of traditional 'injections', in which the healers perform dozens of subcutaneous incisions to rub herbs directly into the bloodied tissue with their hands. Healers who report exposure to patient blood have a 2.2-fold higher risk of being HIV-positive than those who do not report exposure. We propose a randomized controlled trial (61 healers in the intervention group and 61 healers in the control group) in Mpumalanga Province. Healers will receive personal protective equipment (PPE) education and training, general HIV prevention education, and three educational outreach visits at the healer's place of practice to provide advice and support for PPE use and disposal. Healers in the control arm will be trained by health care providers, while participants in the intervention arm will receive training and outreach from a team of healers who were early adopters of PPE. We will evaluate intervention implementation using data from surveys, observation, and educational assessments. Implementation outcomes of interest include acceptability and feasibility of PPE use during clinical encounters and fidelity of PPE use during treatments that involve blood exposure. We will test our two intervention strategies to identify an optimal strategy for PPE education in a region with high HIV prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M. Audet
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt) School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bryan E. Shepherd
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Muktar H. Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Ryan G. Wagner
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt) School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
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