ISSN: 2578-5001
Authors: Eta VEA *, Asanga NG and Shey ND
Background: Traditional medicine (TM) has maintained its popularity in most developing countries. The use of TM in the treatment of illnesses such as malaria is a common practice that began in pre-historic times. Aim: This research sought to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of TM to treat malaria in the Buea Health District, Cameroon. Methods: The study employed a community based cross-sectional survey design. Purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the study site (four health areas) and enrolled participants to the study. The study participants were made up of heads (guardians) of households. Heads of households aged 19 years and above who were present at the time of study and met the inclusion criteria and gave their consent to participate in the study were included. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire made up of both open and closed-ended questions. Data was collected on the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of TM to treat malaria. Data collected was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25, the logistic regression statistical test was used to check for association between variables and confidence level was set at 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 400 participants participated in this study. The study revealed that 212 (57%) [95%CI: 0.4798 - 0.5798] were females. Also, 270 (67.5%) [95% CI: 0.6267 - 0.7207] of the participants had good knowledge about malaria and TM. There was no significant association between socio-demographic factors and knowledge (p>0.05). Majority 328(82%) [95% CI: 0.7788 - 0.8564] of the participants had negative attitudes towards traditional medicine. This study further revealed that the participants demonstrated poor practices on the use of TM to treat malaria. However, a few used both TM and conventional medicine to treat malaria. Conclusion: The proportion of participants with good knowledge on TM and malaria was high, while the proportion of participants with positive attitudes as well as those with good practices towards the use of TM to treat malaria was low. However, participants who used both traditional and conventional medicines preferred to consult traditional healers first for remedy.
Keywords: Traditional Medicine; Malaria; Treatment
