LITERATURE REVIEW ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

PRESBYTERIAN NURSES’ TRAINING COLLEGE
RESEARCH WORK ON THE TOPIC
“THE PERCEPTION ON THE USE OF TRADITIONAL
MEDICINE IN THE TREATMENT OF AILMENTS IN AGOGO
GYIDIM COMMUNITY.”
BY
MASTER APPIAH ELVIS
MASTER ARHIN MICHEAL
MASTER OPPONG PATRICK
MISS OSEI-MENSAH DORCAS
MISS OWUSUWAA EUNICE
THIS RESEARCH IS PRESENTED TO THE NURSES
AND MIDWIVES COUNCIL GHANA IN PARTIAL
FULFILMENT IN THE AWARD OF REGISTERED
GENERAL NURSING, DIPLOMA
MAY, 2013.

i
DECLARATION
We the undersigned students of Presbyterian Nurses’ Training College, Agogo, do hereby
declare that with the exception of other people’s work used as references which have been duly
acknowledged, all other works were carried out by us under the supervision of Mr. Michael
Ofosuhene.
This work is a result of our own original work and has never been presented in whole or part for
the award of diploma in this school or any other nursing training institution.
We therefore accept responsibility of any error in this research work.
STUDENT’S NAME INDEX NUMBER SIGNATURE
APPIAH ELVIS RGN 026 …………………….
ARHIN MICHEAL RGN 027 …………………….
OPPONG PATRICK RGN 070 …………………….
OSEI-MENSAH DORCAS RGN 072 …………………….
OWUSUWAA EUNICE RGN 070 …………………….
NAME OF SUPERVISOR: MR. MICHEAL OFOSUHENE
SIGNATURE……………………………………………
DATE…………………………………………………….

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Table of Contents
DECLARATION .................................................................................................................................... i
ABSTRACT.........................................................................................................................................vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.......................................................................................................................vii
DEDICATION....................................................................................................................................viii
CHAPTER ONE....................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................1
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM ........................................................................................................1
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY .................................................................................................................2
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY...........................................................................................................2
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY................................................................................................................3
Main objectives...........................................................................................................................3
Specific objectives.......................................................................................................................3
OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................3
CHAPTER TWO ...................................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................................7
METHODOLOGY..............................................................................................................................7
THE STUDY DESIGN .........................................................................................................................7
THE POPULATION AND SAMPLING SIZE............................................................................................7
THE SAMPLING TECHNIQUE.............................................................................................................7
TOOLS AND METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION ....................................................................................8
THE RESEARCH SETTING..................................................................................................................8
ETHICAL CONSIDERATION................................................................................................................9
PILOT STUDY...................................................................................................................................9

iii
CHAPTER FOUR.................................................................................................................................10
DATA ANALYSIS.............................................................................................................................10
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA....................................................................................................................10
CHAPTER FIVE ..................................................................................................................................32
DISCUSSION OF FINDING...............................................................................................................32
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA....................................................................................................................32
KNOWLEDGE................................................................................................................................33
PATRONAGE.................................................................................................................................34
RECOMMENDATIONS....................................................................................................................34
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................35
NURSING IMPLICATION.................................................................................................................36
REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................37
QUESTIONNAIRES AND INTERVIEWS..............................................................................................38

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LIST OF TABLES & FIGURES
Table 4.1: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO AGES OF RESPONDENTS. .................................................10
Table 4.2: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO GENDER OF CORRESPONDENT.........................................11
Table 4.3: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO MARITAL STATUS OF RESPONDENTS ................................11
Table4.4: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO EDUCATIONAL STATUS OF RESPONDENTS.........................12
Table 4.5: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RELIGION OF RESPONDENTS............................................12
Figure 4.0 DISTRBUTION ACCORDING TO ETHNICITY OF RESPONDENTS ...........................................13
Figure 4.1; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO OCCUPATION OF RESPONDENTS.....................................14
Figure 4.2 DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING RESPONDENT’S AWARENESS ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE......15
Table 4.6; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO SOURCE INFORMATION ABOUT TRADITIONAL MEDICINE ..16
Figure 4.4; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDINGTO KNOWLEDGE ON NEGATIVEASPECTSOFTRADITIONAL
MEDICINE.....................................................................................................................................17
Figure 4.5; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDINGTO RESPONDENTS’KNOWLEDGEON ACQUIRED TRAININGOF
TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.........................................................................................18
Table 4.7: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDINGTO RESPONDENTS’KNOWLEDGEON THE TYPE OF TRAINING
ACQUIRED BY TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS ...................................................................19
Figure 4.5; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDINGTO RESPONDENTSKNOWLEDGE ABOUT EXPIRYDATE OF
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE................................................................................................................20
Figure 4.6; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDINGTO RESPONDENTS’KNOWLEDGEON SCIENTIFICPREPARATION
OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE...........................................................................................................21
Figure 4.7: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDINGTO THE RESPONDENTS’PERCEPTION ON HOWGOOD
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IS. ...........................................................................................................22
Figure 4.8; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDINGTO RESPONDENTS’PERCEPTION ON PEOPLEUSE SEEK
TRADITIONAL HEALTH CARE..........................................................................................................23

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Figure 4.9: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDINGTO RESPONDENTS’PERCEPTION ON THE CONDITION UNDER
WHICH TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IS PREPARED................................................................................24
Figure 4.10: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS USAGE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE........25
Figure 4.11: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDINGTO RESPONDENTS’EXPERIENCEAFTERUSING TRADITIONAL
MEDICINE.....................................................................................................................................26
Figure 4.12: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDINGTO RESPONDENTS’REASONSFORUSINGTRADITIONAL
MEDICINE.....................................................................................................................................27
Figure 4.13: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO CHOICE OF PREFERED PLACE OF....................................28
Figure 4.14: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO REGULARITY USE OF TRADITIONAL................................29
Figure 4.15: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO EFFECTS EXPERIENCE AFTER THE USE ............................30
Figure 4.16: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO ACTIONS TAKEN BY RESPONDENTS ...............................31

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ABSTRACT
Traditional medicine is one of the common drugs used in the treatment of ailments in most of the
developing countries. This study was carried out to determine the perception of the people in the
use of traditional medicine. A random and accidental sampling was used. The research targeted
30 people from all ages of life in the Agogo Gyidim community. Questionnaires and interviews
were the tools used for data collection.
Out of the targeted 30 respondents, 13 were single representing (43.33%), 12 (40%) were
married followed by 3(10%) representing the divorce people and 2 representing (6.67%) were
widows and widowers. Most of the respondents were JHS leavers which were 17(56.67%),
6(20%) representing primary leavers, 4(13.33%) were tertiary leavers and 3(10%) were SHS
leavers. 21 of the respondents representing (70%) said traditional medicine is good.
It can be concluded from the findings that people use traditional medicine in the treatment of
ailments more than the orthodox drugs. Furthermore, it was identified that the government
should give his maximum support and attention to traditional medical practitioners.

vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the almighty God for his guidance and wisdom given
to us to carry out this work successfully.
We are also grateful to the entire staff of the Nurses’ Training College Agogo especially the
principal; Ms. Florence Gans-Lartey and our supervisor Mr. Michael Ofosuhene and not
forgetting our cherished respondents of Agogo Gyidim. We say we are forever grateful for your
contribution and cooperation towards the success of this work.

viii
DEDICATION
We dedicate this work to our the our supervisor Mr. Michael Ofosuhene who has supported us
throughout the work

1
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Ailments have over the years been a scourge and threat to mankind. People from different
cultural backgrounds have used different herbal plants, plants extract, animal products and
mineral substance (Addae-Mensah, 1992) as the means to care, cure and treat ill-health, with
disease prevent, and with health promotion (Curtis and Taket, 1996) since pre-historic times.
There has been intense debate on public health issues associated with TM in many parts of the
world. The focus is to determine the most appropriate official policy towards TM. Some
countries have policies that discourage TM, whereas others have supportive policies. Most
countries do not have official policies and have simply left traditional medicine to individuals to
decide. For indigenous people, the existence of traditional medicine policies is crucial. The
ability to use and control their own, culturally defined, traditional health system is the most
fundamental right of self-determination of “fourth world” people.
Traditional medicine embraces the ways of protecting and restoring health that existed before the
arrival of orthodox medicine (world Health Organization [WHO], 2001). WHO therefore defines
TM as diverse health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plants, animals,
and/or mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises applied
singularly or in combination to maintain well-being, as well as to treat, diagnose or prevent
illness (WHO, 2002;2000).
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
WHO reported in 2001 that in Malaysia, about US$ 500 million is spent annually on TM
compared to only about US$ 300 million on orthodox medicine. Sri Lanka steadily worked
towards the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of TM, such that, now, even the highly literate
consult to TM before visiting orthodox health institutions (Aluwihare, 1982; Buor, 1993; Peltzer,
1998, 2000a, 2003; Wilkinson and Wilkinson, 1998; Ndulo, 2001). For countries for which more
detailed data are available, the percentage of the population that uses TM ranges from 90% in

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Burundi and Ethiopia, to 80% in Burkina Faso, 70% in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Mali
(WHO, 2000).
A study published by UNAIDS shows that about two-thirds of HIV/AIDS patients in developing
countries use TM obtain symptomatic relief, manage opportunistic infections and boost their
immune systems (UNAIDS, 2003; Osei-Edwards, 2003).
In recent times, inhabitants of Agogo Gyidim patronize traditional method of health care
delivery.
According to the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital, statistics made showed that attendants reporting
to the hospital from Agogo Gyidim come with their sickness in its deteriorating state. The
subjective data collected from these patients indicated that patients resort to traditional medicine
in the treatment of their sickness in the early stages and seek treatment in the hospital if their
sicknesses are not healed.
This has compelled us to research into the perception on the use of traditional medicine in the
treatment of ailments in Agogo Gyidim community.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The main purpose of the study will be to determine the perception on the use of traditional
medicine in the treatment of ailments. It will also help us to evaluate the health hazards and
benefits associated with the use of traditional medicine.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The research will be intended to find out the perception on the use of traditional medicine in
Agogo Gyidim and its impacts on the health of the users. If this research work is successfully
completed it will help improve the knowledge of the people in the area on the use of traditional
medicine in the treatment of ailments. It will also serve as a reference to the government of
Ghana especially the Ministry of health to formulate new policies on traditional medicine and to
help improve lifestyle of people.

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OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
Mainobjectives
To determine the perception on the use of traditional medicine in the treatment of ailments in
Agogo Gyidim.
Specificobjectives
 To determine the adverse effects that is impacted on the inhabitants of Agogo Gyidim
with reference to traditional medicine.
 To identify the setbacks relating to modern health care delivery.
 To provide appropriate methods to facilitate the development of traditional medicine.
OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS
Ailments: Any minor disorder of the body
TM: Traditional Medicine
Indigenous: Existing since pre-history
Orthodox: conforming with accepted standards
Literate: A person who can read and write
WHO: World Health Organization
HIV: Human Immune Virus
AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
UNAIDS: joint United Nation’s Programme on HIV/AIDS

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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Since the beginning of human civilization, medicinal plants have been used by mankind for its
therapeutic value. Nature has been a source of medicinal agents for thousands of years and an
impressive number of modern drugs have been isolated from natural sources. Many of these
isolations were based on the uses of the agents in traditional medicine. The plant-based,
traditional medicine systems continues to play an essential role in health care, with about 80% of
the world’s inhabitants relying mainly on traditional medicines for their primary health care
(Owolabi et al., 2007).
India has several traditional medical systems, such as Ayurveda and Unani, which has survived
through more than 3000 years, mainly using plant-based drugs. The materia medica of these
systems contains a rich heritage of indigenous herbal practices that have helped to sustain the
health of most rural people of India. The ancient texts like Rig Veda (4500-1600 BC) and
Atharva Veda mentions the use of several plants as medicine. The books on ayurvedic medicine
such as Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita refer to the use of more than 700 herbs (Jain,
1968).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 1977) “a medicinal plant” is any plant,
which in one or more of its organ contains substances that can be used for the therapeutic
purposes or which, are precursors for the synthesis of useful drugs. This definition distinguishes
those plants whose therapeutic properties and constituents have been established scientifically
and plants that are regarded as medicinal but which have not yet been subjected to thorough
investigation. The term “herbal drug” determines the part/parts of a plant (leaves, flowers, seeds,
roots, barks, stems, etc.) used for preparing medicines (Anonymous, 2007a).
Furthermore, WHO (2001) defines medicinal plant as herbal preparations produced by subjecting
plant materials to extraction, fractionation, purification, concentration or other physical or
biological processes which may be produced for immediate consumption or as a basis for herbal
products. Medicinal plants are plants containing inherent active ingredients used to cure disease
or relieve pain (Okigbo et al., 2008). The use of traditional medicines and medicinal plants in
most developing countries as therapeutic agents for the maintenance of good health has been

5
widely observed (UNESCO, 1996). Modern pharmacopoeia still contains at least 25% drugs
derived from plants and many others, which are synthetic analogues, built on prototype
compounds isolated from plants. Interest in medicinal plants as are-emerging health aid has been
fuelled by the rising costs of prescription drugs in the maintenance of personal health and
wellbeing and the bioprospecting of new plant-derived drugs (Lucy and Edgar, 1999). The
ongoing growing recognition of medicinal plants is due to several reasons, including escalating
faith in herbal medicine (Kala, 2005). Furthermore, an increasing reliance on the use of
medicinal plants in the industrialized societies has been traced to the extraction and development
of drugs and chemotherapeutics from these plants as well as from traditionally used herbal
remedies (UNESCO, 1998). The medicinal properties of plants could be based on the
antioxidant, antimicrobial antipyretic effects of the phytochemicals in them (Cowman, 1999;
Adesokan et al., 2008). According to World Health Organization, medicinal plants would be the
best source to obtain a variety of drugs. Therefore, such plants should be investigated to better
understand their properties, safety and efficacy (Nascimento et al., 2000). Medicinal plants
produce bioactive compounds used mainly for medicinal purposes. These compounds either act
on different systems of animals including man, and/or act through interfering in the metabolism
of microbes infecting them. The microbes may be pathogenic or symbiotic. In either way the
bioactive compounds from medicinal plants play a determining role in regulating host-microbe
interaction in favour of the host. So the identification of bioactive compound in plants, their
isolation, purification and characterization of active ingredients in crude extracts by various
analytical methods is important. The medicinal properties of plants could be based on the
antioxidant, antimicrobial, antipyretic effects of the phytochemicals in them (Cowman, 1999;
Adesokan et al., 2008) The instant rising demand of plant-based drugs is unfortunately creating
heavy pressure on some selected high-value medicinal plant populations in the wild due to over-
harvesting. Several of these medicinal plant species have slow growth rates, low population
densities, and narrow geographic ranges (Nautiyal et al., 2002), therefore they are more prone to
extinction (Jablonski, 2004). Conversely, because information on the use of plant species for
therapeutic purpose has been passed from one generation to the next through oral tradition, this
knowledge of therapeutic plants has started to decline and become obsolete through the lack of
recognition by younger generations as a result of a shift in attitude and ongoing socioeconomic
changes (Kala, 2000). Furthermore, the indigenous knowledge on the use of lesser-known

6
medicinal plants is also rapidly declining. Continuous erosion in the traditional knowledge of
many valuable plants for medicine in the past and the renewal interest currently, the need existed
to review the valuable knowledge with the expectation of developing the medicinal plants sector
(Kala et al., 2006). In India, the ayurvedic system has described a large number of such
medicines based on plants or plant product and the determination of their morphological and
pharmacological or pharmacognostical characters can provide a better understanding of their
active principles and mode of action.
However a large number of tropical plants have not been studied in detail for their chemical
constituents, pharmacological properties of the extracts, and their pharmacognostical
characterization including DNA sequencing etc. In the present review focused various aspects in
two medicinal plants Pedalium murex and Martynia annua.

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CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
The methodology in this study would be focusing on the research design, population and
sampling size, techniques adapted to study the population, the tools use to gather information,
the research setting, ethical consideration, validity and reliability, and pilot study.
THE STUDY DESIGN
The research design that would be employed is quantitative and descriptive in nature.
Descriptive design concerns with conditions that exist, practices that are held and processes that
are developing. Descriptive would be use because it will generate room for a particular event.
Quantitative research on the other hand is the one that uses statistics to explain and describe the
phenomenon. The study design would help in the interpretation of the results.
THE POPULATION AND SAMPLING SIZE
The study would be targeting both men and women in the locality of the Asante Akim North
District precisely Agogo Gyidim. The population would include both literates and illiterates.
Participants of the study would be selected from members of the Gyidim community.
THE SAMPLING TECHNIQUE
In all, 30 respondents consisting of 15 men and 15 women will be selected from the area, that is
Agogo Gyidim.
A simple random probability sampling technique will be used to select 30 members from the
community. Members in the community will be gathered and given the chance to pick one folded
paper from 50 papers consisting of (20 N0) and (30 Yes) after explaining it well to them. By this
method all the people will have equal chances of being selected to participate in the study. Also,
data will be collected from people who are available and meet the criteria of the research.

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TOOLS AND METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
The research work would make use of questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaires would
consist of 40 items including both open ended and close ended questions. Both methods would
be conducted to cover the specific objectives of the study.
The open questions would aiming at making respondents express their views freely and give
their reasons for a particular response. With the close ended questions, respondents are given the
option to select an answer from a list of options or items without giving reasons.
THE RESEARCH SETTING
This research would be conducted in Agogo Township (specifically Gyidim community). Agogo
Township is a typical traditional farming community in the Asante Akim North District of the
Asante region of Ghana. Agogo is a branch road in Konongo from the Accra to Kumasi main
road. It is about 12km from Konongo. It is a valley surrounded by caves and mountains. By this
it is known as” naturally walled town”.
It has a population of about 10,096. It is about 58km from Kumasi and about 232km from Accra.
Agogo covers a geographical area of about 650 square km. The town is controlled by paramount
chief with sub-chiefs and also has several villages and town around it.
In terms of social amenities, Agogo Township can boast of ten basic and junior high school, two
senior high schools, three tertiary institutions which include women’s training college of
education, nurses training college and a university all under the Presbyterian church of Ghana as
well as a hospital. It has other facilities like police station, post office, two radio stations, lorry
station and two market centers. It also has a community center library, commercial and rural
banks and an internet café. It also has a pipe born water. The ethnicity of the township is made of
majority of Akans, few Ewes, Frafras and Mosi. The languages spoken include are Twi, Ewe,
Hausa.
Most of the inhabitants are Christians and Islam with few traditionalist as well as other
denominational groups such as savior church known in the church as “Gyidim”. The main
economic activities of the inhabitants are farming and trading. Crops mainly produce by farmers
in the community include; plantain, maize, yam, cassava, pepper, garden eggs and others. In

9
addition the literates in the community are mostly teachers of all grades, nurses, doctors and
bankers.
In Agogo Gyidim community, the total number of household in the area is estimated to be 2000.
In is located on the North-Eastern part of Agogo. It shares borders with Hwidiem in the North,
Presbyterian Primary School and the Hospital in the West, in East by farmlands and forest and
the South by Obuasi.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATION
Permission would be sought from the chief and his elders in the community. The people who
would be selected will be informed about the study and the reason for their involvement and
would be reassured of no form of liber or slander. We make sure no subjects rights will be
infringed whether physically or emotionally.
They would also be made aware that they can withdraw at any time they want. Finally they will
be assured that the information given will be treated confidentially and data collected would be
used only for the research purpose. After that, questionnaires would then be administered
PILOT STUDY
Pilot study would be conducted to make clients get clear insight about the questions. The
questionnaires would be first and foremost being given to mates and tutors to correct all the
mistakes after which they will then be redrafted and sent to the various respondents

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CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS
Simple random probability sample was use to select 30 respondent from the population. The data
for the study was collected through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The results were
collected and transferred on a sheet and also analyzed using tables, bar charts, pie charts and
histograms. These are below
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
Table 4.1: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO AGES OF RESPONDENTS.
AGES (YEARS) FREQUENCY PERCENTAGES (%)
Below 20 4 13.33
20-29 8 26.67
30-39 10 33.33
Above 40 8 26.67
TOTAL 30 100
Source: FIELD WORK, 2013
From the Table 4.1 above, most of the correspondents fall between the ages of 30-39years
making up 10 representing ( 33.33 %) of the total, with few of them found below the ages of 20
making 4 ( 13.33%). Furthermore the ages between 20-29 and above 40years were the second
highest making up 8(26.67%) each.

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Table 4.2: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO GENDER OF CORRESPONDENT
GENDER FREQUENCY PERCENTAGES (%)
Male 12 40
Female 18 60
TOTAL 30 100
From Table 4.2 above, most of the correspondent were females representing 18 (60 %) and
12(40%) were males.
Table 4.3: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO MARITAL STATUS OF RESPONDENTS
MARITAL STATUS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGES (%)
Single 13 43.33
Married 12 40
Divorced 3 10
Widow/widower 2 6.67
TOTAL 30 100
From the table 4.3 above, it can be deduce that out of 30 respondents 13(43.33 %) were single,
followed by married partners which correspond to 12(40 %), divorced representing 3(10 %) and
2 representing 6.67% were widows and widowers.

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Table4.4: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO EDUCATIONAL STATUS OF
RESPONDENTSs
EDUCATIONAL STATUS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGES
Primary 6 20
JHS 17 56.67
SHS 3 10
Tertiary 4 13.33
TOTAL 30 100
From the above table 4.3, most of the respondents were JHS leavers which is 17(56.67%),
followed by primary 6(20 %), being second, 4(13.33 %) of the respondents are tertiary leavers
and 3(10 %) are SHS leavers.
Table 4.5: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RELIGION OF RESPONDENTS
RELIGION FREQUENCY PERCENTAGES (%)
Christian 20 66.67
Muslim 6 20
Traditionalist 4 13.33
TOTAL 30 100
From the table 4.5 above, the community is a Christian dominated representing 20(66.67 %), and
next being Muslim 6(20%) followed by traditionalist which is 4(13.33 %).

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Figure 4.0 DISTRBUTION ACCORDING TO ETHNICITY OF RESPONDENTS
From figure 4.0 above, 24 (80%) represent Akan which is the most dominant inhabitants in the
area, followed by 4 (14%) which represent Ewe, and both Frafra and others representing 1 (3%).
80%
14%
3% 3%
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO ETHNICITY
AKAN
EWE
FRAFRA
GA

14
Figure 4.1; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO OCCUPATION OF RESPONDENTS
From figure 4.1 above, majority of the respondents representing 15 (50%) are traders, followed
by 5 (17%) are farmers, 4 (13%) representing teachers and others and 2 (7%) are unemployed.
17%
50%
13%
7%
13%
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO OCCUPATION
FARMING
TRADING
TEACHING
UNEMPLOYED
OTHERS

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KNOWLEDGE OF THE RESPONDENTS ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Figure 4.2 DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING RESPONDENT’S AWARENESS ON
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
From figure 4.2 above, all the respondents have heard about traditional medicine.
100%
0%0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
YES NO
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING RESPONDENTS
AWARENESSON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
YES
NO

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Table 4.6; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO SOURCE INFORMATION ABOUT
SOURCE OF INFORMATION FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE (%)
Friends 9 30
Media 21 70
TOTAL 30 100
From table 4.6 above, 21 (70%) of the respondents heard about traditional medicine from the
media and 9 (30%) heard about traditional medicine from friends.

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Figure 4.4; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE ON NEGATIVE
ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Source; FIELD WORK, 2013
From figure 4.4 above, 11 (37%) of the respondents said traditional medicine spoils easily, 9
(30%) of the respondents said traditional medicine do not give specific cure, 6 (20%) of the
respondents said traditional medicine do not have specific dosage and 4 (13%) representing the
least said traditional medicine complicates certain conditions.
30%
20%
13%
37%
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE
ON NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL
MEDICINE
DON'T GIVE SPECIFIC CURE
HAVE NO SPECIFIC DOSAGE
COMPLICATES CERTAIN
CONDITIONS
SPOILS EASILY

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Figure 4.5; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON
ACQUIRED TRAINING OF TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS
Source: FIELD WORK
From figure 4.5 above, 25 (83%) of the respondents said traditional medical practitioners
undergo special training and 5 (17%) of the respondents said traditional medical practitioners do
not undergo any special training.
83%
17%
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS
KNOWLEDGE ON ACQUIRE OF TRADITIONAL
MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS
YES
NO

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Table 4.7: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON
THE TYPE OF TRAINING ACQUIRED BY TRADITIONAL MEDICAL
PRACTITIONERS
TYPE OF TRAINING FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE (%)
Learning by experience 19 76
Training at the university 3 12
Intuition on herbs 3 12
TOTAL 25 100
From table 4.7 above, majority of the respondents representing 19 (76%) said traditional medical
practitioners acquire their training by experience, 3 (12%) said traditional medical practitioners
acquire their training at the university and by intuition on herbs.

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Figure 4.5; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS KNOWLEDGE
ABOUT EXPIRY DATE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
From figure 4.5 above, 19 (63.3%) of the respondents said traditional medicine do not have
labeled expiry date while 11 (36.7%) said traditional medicine have labeled expiry dates.
36.7%
63.3%
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
YES NO
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO
RESPONDENTS' KNOWLEDGE ON EXPIRY
DATE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
YES
NO

21
Figure 4.6; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON
SCIENTIFIC PREPARATION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
From figure 4.6 above, 22 (73%) of the respondents said traditional medicine is not scientifically
made while 8 representing 27% of the respondents said traditional medicine is scientifically
prepared.
27%
73%
RESPONDENT'S KNOWLEDGE ON SCIENTIFIC
PREPARATION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
YES
NO

22
PERCEPTION OF PEOPLE ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Figure 4.7: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO THE RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION
ON HOW GOOD TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IS.
From figure 4.7 above, 21 (70%) of the respondents said traditional medicine is good, 6 (20%) of
the respondents said traditional medicine is bad and 3 representing 10% of the respondents said
traditional medicine is very good.
10%
70%
20%
0 5 10 15 20 25
VERY GOOD
GOOD
BAD
RESPONDENTS' PERCEPTION ON HOW GOOD
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IS
VERY GOOD
GOOD
BAD

23
Figure 4.8; DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION ON
PEOPLE USE SEEK TRADITIONAL HEALTH CARE
From figure 4.8 above, 19 (63.33%) of the respondents said people who seek traditional health
care are like any other person, 9 (30%) of the respondents said people who seek traditional
health care are threat to the society while 2 representing 6.67% of the respondents said people
who seek traditional healthcare are social deviants.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
SOCIAL DEVIANT
THREAT TO
SOCIETY LIKE ANY OTHER
PERSON
6.67%
30%
63.33%
RESPONDENTS' PERCEPTION ON PEOPLE
WHO SEEK TRADITIONAL HEALTH CARE
SOCIAL DEVIANT
THREAT TO SOCIETY
LIKE ANY OTHER PERSON

24
Figure 4.9: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION ON
THE CONDITION UNDER WHICH TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IS PREPARED.
From the figure 4.9 above, 22 representing 69% of the respondents said traditional medicine is
prepared under non-hygienic condition, 8 (25%) of the respondents said traditional medicine is
prepared under hygienic condition and 2 (6%) of the respondents said traditional medicine is
prepared under very hygienic condition.
6%
25%
69%
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING RESPONDENTS
PERCEPTION ON THE CONDITION UNDER
WHICH TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IS PREPARED
VERY HYGIENIC
HYGIENIC
NON-HYGIENIC

25
PATRONAGE
Figure 4.10: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS USAGE OF
From figure 4.10 above, 26 (87%) of the respondents said they have used traditional medicine
before and 4 (13%) of the respondents said they have not used traditional medicine before.
87%
13%
RESPONDENTS' USAGE OF TRADITIONAL
MEDICINE
YES
NO

26
Figure 4.11: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS’ EXPERIENCE
AFTER USING TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
From figure 4.11 above 18 (60%) of the respondents said they were cured after using traditional
medicine, 10 (33.33%) of the respondents said there was no improvement in their condition after
the usage of traditional medicine and 2 (6.67%) said their condition worsened after the use of
traditional medicine.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
CURED NO
IMPROVEMENT
WORSEN OF
CONDITION
60%
33.33%
6.67%
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TOR
RESPONDENTS' EXPERIENCE AFTER USING
CURED
NO IMPROVEMENT
WORSEN OF CONDITION

27
Figure 4.12: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS’ REASONS FOR
USING TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
From figure 4.12 above 15 (50%) of the respondents said traditional health care provide better
cure, 11 (36.67%) of the respondents said traditional healthcare is cheaper, 3 (10%) said because
of attitude of health workers and 1 (3.33%) said because of long queue at hospital.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
IT IS
CHEAPER
THEY
PROVIDE
BETTER
CURE
LONG
QUEUE AT
HOSPITAL
ATTITUDE
OF HEALTH
WORKERS
36.67%
50%
3.33%
10%
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO RESPONDENTS'
REASONS FOR USING TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
IT IS CHEAPER
THEY PROVIDE BETTER CURE
LONG QUEUE AT HOSPITAL
ATTITUDE OF HEALTH WORKERS

28
Figure 4.13: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO CHOICE OF PREFERED PLACE OF
HEALTH CARE OF RESPONDENTS
Source: FIELD WORK, 2013.
From the figure 4.13 above, 80% representing 24 respondents preferred seeking health care from
the hospital, 5(16.67%) preferred seeking health care from traditional healers and 1(3.33%)
representing the least preferred seeking health care from denominational healers.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
TRADITIONAL HEALER
HOSPITAL
DENOMINATIONAL HEALER
16.67%
80%
3.33%
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO PREFERED
CHOICE OF HEALTH CARE OF RESPONDENTS
TRADITIONAL HEALER
HOSPITAL
DENOMINATIONAL HEALER

29
From the figure 4.14 below, 10(33.33%) of the respondents use traditional medicine when they
are sick, 8 representing 26.67% of the respondents uses traditional medicine occasionally, others
specified 7(23.33%) said that they had never use traditional medicine before and 5(16.67%)
representing the least said they frequently use traditional medicine.
Figure 4.14: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO REGULARITY USE OF
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE BY RESPONDENTS
27%
17%
33%
23%
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO REGULARITY USE
OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE BY RESPONDENTS
OCCASIONALLY
FREQUENTLY
WHENEVER I'M SICK
OTHERS

30
EFFECTS
Figure 4.15: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO EFFECTS EXPERIENCE AFTER THE
USE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
From the figure 4.15 above, 24(88%) of the respondents said they experience after the use of
traditional medicine and 5(12%) said did not experience any reaction after the use of traditional
medicine.
88%
12%
12%
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO EFFECTS AFTER
THE USE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
YES
NO

31
Figure 4.16: DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO ACTIONS TAKEN BY
RESPONDENTS AFTER EXPERIENCING TRADITIONAL MEDICINE REACTIONS
From the above figure 4.16, 50% representing 15 respondents visit the hospital after
experiencing traditional medicine reactions, 10(33%) buy their own drug orthodox and 5(17%)
representing the least uses another traditional medicine after experiencing reactions.
50%
33%
17%
DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO ACTIONS
TAKEN BY RESPONDENTS AFTER
EXPERIENCING TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
REACTIONS
VISITED THE HOSPITAL
BOUGHT ORTHODOX DRUG
USED ANOTHER TRADITIONAL
MEDICINE

32
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION OF FINDING
The main objective of this study is to determine the perception on the use of traditional medicine
in the treatment of ailments in Agogo Gyidim.
Also to determine the adverse effects that is impacted on the inhabitants of Agogo Gyidim with
reference to traditional medicine.
Furthermore, I it is to identify the setbacks relating to modern health care delivery and to provide
appropriate methods to facilitate the development of traditional medicine.
In this chapter, the findings from the data analysis will be discussed and compared with the
literature review, conclusions will be drawn from the points raised and recommendations will be
offered to serve as a guide for Nursing administration, education and research. For easy reading
and understanding, the findings have been ground under the following: demographic data,
knowledge, perception, uses and effects.
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
From the analysis, majority of the respondents 10(33.33%) of the population fell between the
ages of 30 to 39 followed by 20 to 29 and those above 40 who had the same number 8 (26.67%).
Some respondents fell below 20 which represent 4 (13.33%).
With respect to gender, majority of the respondents were females representing 18(60%) and
12(40%) were males.
Also 13(43.33%) of the respondents were single followed by 12(40%) were married. 3(10%)
were divorced and 2(6.67%) of the respondents were widows and widowers.
Considering the educational background, majority of the respondents had their education up to
JHS representing 17(56.67%), 6(20%) had up to primary education, 4 (13.33%) of the

33
respondents had their education up to tertiary level of education and 3(10%) had up to SHS
education.
In terms of religion, the study captured the most dominant religion within the community,
Christianity 20(66.67%), 6(20%) were Muslim and 4(3.3%) were traditionalists.
Also with respect to ethnicity, majority of the respondents were Akans representing 24 (80%)
followed by Ewe 4(14%) and Frafra 1(3%).
Considering the occupational status, 15 representing 50% of the respondents were traders,
followed by farmers 5(17%), 4(13%) were teachers and 2(7%) were unemployed.
KNOWLEDGE
Based on the analysis, it can be said that all our respondents representing 30(100%) heard about
traditional medicine.
With respect to the source of information about traditional medicine, majority of the respondents
21(70%) heard from the media and 9(30%) heard from friends.
Again from the study, majority of the respondents 11(37%) said traditional medicine spoils
easily, 9(30%) of the respondents said traditional medicine do not give specific cure, 6(20%) said
traditional medicine do not have specific dosage and 4(13%) said they complicate certain
conditions.
Considering the knowledge on the type of training acquired by traditional medical practitioners,
19(76%) of respondent said traditional medical practitioners acquire their knowledge through
learning by experience, 3(12%) said training from the university and 3(12%) also said intuition
on herbs.
This is in conformity with (Kala, 2000) who said, because of information on the use of plant
species for therapeutic purpose has been placed from one generation to the next through oral
tradition.

34
PATRONAGE
From the analysis, majority of the respondents 26(87%) said they have use traditional medicine
before and 4(13%) said they have not used traditional medicine before.
This is in conformity with (Owolabi et al, 2007) who said “with about 80% of the world’s
inhabitants rely mainly on traditional medicines for their primary health care.
Considering the reasons for the usage of traditional medicine 15(50%) of the respondents said
traditional healthcare provides better cure, 11(36.67%) said traditional medicine is cheaper,
3(10%) said because of attitude of health workers and 1(3.33%) said because of long queue at
hospital.
This contradicts with (Lucy and Edger, 1999) who stated that “interest in medicinal plants as a
re-emerging health aid has been fuelled by the rising costs of prescription drugs in the
maintenance of personal health and wellbeing and the bio prospecting of new plant-derived
drugs.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the research findings, the following recommendations are therefore suggested and we
believe that they would be of great importance to the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health
Service as a whole
1. In order to improve the effectiveness of traditional medicine, the government through the
MOH should subsidy in the preparation of the traditional medicine.
2. There should be an intensive training for all the traditional medical practitioners.
3. The prepared traditional medicine should be scientifically tested and approved before it is
distributed.
4. All herbal drugs that have being scientifically tested should be introduced into the
various hospitals to be used for the treatment of diseases.
5. There should be an annually celebration for the importance of traditional medicine.

35
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The research was conducted at Agogo Gyidim. It was surveyed at the perception of people in the
use of traditional medicine in the treatment of ailments. At the end of the research, the following
were emerged:
1. Age of the respondents: Most of them were between the ages of 30 and 39 (33.33%)
2. Majority of the respondents were females
3. Most of the respondents in the study area were single (43.33%), judging from the survey
conducted.
4. Majority of the respondents were JHS leavers (56.67%)
5. In terms of religion, Christian dominated.
6. Majority (80%) were from Akan tribe.
7. In terms of occupation, most of the respondents (50%) were farmers.
8. All the respondents have heard about traditional medicine.
9. (70%) of the respondent heard traditional medicine from the media.
10. Most of the respondents (37%) said traditional medicine spoils easily.
11. From the survey, majority of the respondents said traditional medical practitioners
acquire knowledge through learning by experience.
12. In terms of scientifically preparation, majority said traditional medicine is not
scientifically made.
13. Most of the respondents (70%) said traditional medicine is good.
14. Majority of the respondents said traditional medicine is non-hygienically prepared.
15. More than (80%) of the respondents have used traditional medicine before.
16. (60%) of the respondents were cured after using traditional medicine.
17. Majority of the respondents said traditional medicine provide better cure (50%)
18. In terms of regular use of traditional medicine, majority use traditional medicine when
they are sick.

36
It can be concluded from the findings that majority of the respondents have use traditional
medicine before and suggested that there should be improvement in the field of traditional
medical practices and preparations.
NURSING IMPLICATION
The findings from the research work have some major implications for nursing
administration, research and education. The findings indicated that majority of the
respondents were aware of the benefits and disadvantages of traditional medicine.
1. There must be education on the effects on the use of non-scientifically tested
medicine.
2. The use of scientifically approved traditional medicine should be involved in the
treatment of diseases in the hospital.
3. Colleges should be established to train individuals on the preparation of traditional
medicine.
4. All traditional medicines must be scientifically tested and accredited before being
brought to market.
5. The ministry of health should establish a plantation of medicinal plants that are used
in the treatment of ailments.

37
REFERENCES
 Addae-Mensah, I. (1992). Towards a national scientific basis for herbal medicine–a
phytochemists two decade contribution. Accra Ghana, University Press.
 Twumasi, P. A. (1988). Social foundation of the interplay between traditional and
modern systems. Accra: Ghana Universities Press (Inaugural Lecture).
 UNAIDS/WHO. (2008). AIDS Epidemic Update, December 2008.
 WHO. (2008). HIV/AIDS Strategy in the African Region: A Frame Work for
Implementation. Fiftieth Session, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 28th August-2nd
September, 2008.
 WHO. (2005). National policy on Traditional Medicine and regulation of Herbal
Medicines. Report of the WHO global survey. World Health Organization, Geneva. May,
2005.
 Wilkinson, D. & Wilkinson, N. (1998). HIV infection among patients with sexually
transmitted diseases in rural South Africa. International Journal of STD AIDS.
 Xue, C. C., Zhang, A. L., Lin, V., & Da Costa, C. (2010). Contemporary and Alternative
Medicine Use in Australia: A National Population-Based Survey. World Health
Organisation Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, School of Health Sciences.
Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

38
QUESTIONNAIRES AND INTERVIEWS
Agogo Presbyterian Nurses Training College
P. O. Box 16
Agogo
Dear respondents,
We are second year students of Agogo Presbyterian Nurses Training College conducting a
research on the topic “The perception on the use of traditional medicine in the treatment of
ailments in Agogo Gyidim community”.
This research is purposely for academic work. Confidentiality and anonymity is assured, feel free
to express your cardinal opinions.
SECTION A
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
1) Age
A. Below 20 [ ]
B. 20-29 [ ]
C. 30-39 [ ]
D. Above 40 [ ]
2) Sex
A. Male [ ]
B. Female [ ]
3) Marital status
A. Single [ ]
B. Married [ ]
C. Divorced [ ]

39
D. Widow/widower [ ]
E. Others (specify)……………………………………………………………………..
4) Educational background
A. Primary [ ]
B. JHS [ ]
C. SHS [ ]
D. Tertiary [ ]
E. Others (specify)……………………………………………………………………..
5) Religion
A. Christian [ ]
B. Muslim [ ]
C. Traditionalist [ ]
D. Others (specify)……………………………………………………………………..
6) Ethnicity
A. Akan [ ]
B. Ewe [ ]
C. Frafra [ ]
D. Others (specify}………………………………………………………………….....
7) Occupation
A. Farming [ ]
B. Trading [ ]
C. Teaching [ ]
D. Unemployed [ ]
E. Others (specify)……………………………………………………………………..

40
SECTION B
KNOWLEDGE OF PEOPLE ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
8) Have you heard of traditional medicine?
A. Yes [ ]
B. No [ ]
9) If yes, from where?
A. Friends [ ]
B. Media [ ]
C. Others (specify)…………………………………………………………………......
10) What are some of the negative aspects of traditional medicine?
A. They do not give the specific cure [ ]
B. They do not have specific dosage [ ]
C. They complicate certain conditions [ ]
D. They spoil easily [ ]
E. Others (specify)…………………………………………………………………......
11) Do traditional medical practitioners undergo special training?
A. Yes [ ]
B. No [ ]
12) If yes, what kind of training do you know?
A. Learning by experience on the job [ ]
B. Training at the university [ ]
C. Intuition on herbs [ ]
D. Others (specify)…………………………………………………………………….

41
13) Do traditional medicines have labelled expiry dates?
A. Yes [ ]
B. No [ ]
14) Is traditional medicine scientifically made?
A. Yes [ ]
B. No [ ]
SECTION C
PERCEPTION OF PEOPLE ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
15) How do you see traditional medicine?
A. Good [ ]
B. Very good [ ]
C. Some [ ]
D. Bad [ ]
E. Others (specify)……………………………………………………………………..
16) Is it necessary to seek traditional medicine?
A. Not necessary [ ]
B. Necessary [ ]
C. Very necessary [ ]
17) What is the perception about people who seek traditional health care?
A. Social deviants [ ]
B. Threat to society [ ]
C. Like any other person [ ]

42
D. Others (specify)……………………………………………………………………..
18) How do you see the preparation of the traditional medicine?
A. Very hygienic [ ]
B. Hygienic [ ]
C. Non hygienic [ ]
D. Others (specify)……………………………………………………………………..
SECTION D
PATRONAGE
19) Have you ever used traditional medicine?
A. Yes [ ]
B. No [ ]
20) If yes, what was the effect you experienced?
A. I was cured [ ]
B. No improvement was seen [ ]
C. My condition became worse [ ]
D. Others (specify)……………………………………………………………………..
21) Why do people use traditional medicine?
A. It is cheaper [ ]
B. They provide better cure [ ]
C. Long queue at hospital [ ]
D. Attitude of health workers [ ]
E. Others (specify)……………………………………………………………………..
22) In advent of ailments where will you seek for treatment first?

43
A. Traditional healer [ ]
B. Hospital/health facility [ ]
C. Denominational healer [ ]
D. Others (specify)……………………………………………………………………..
23) How often do you use traditional medicine?
A. Occasionally [ ]
B. Frequently [ ]
C. Whenever I’m sick [ ]
D. Other (specify)………………………………………………………………………
SECTION D
EFFECTS
24) Did you experience any reactions with the use of traditional medicine?
A. Yes [ ]
B. No [ ]
25) If yes, what did you do?
A. Visited the hospital [ ]
B. Used orthodox medicine [ ]
C. Used another traditional medicine [ ]
D. Others (specify)……………………………………………………………………..
26) What do you think can be done to improve traditional medicine?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………

LITERATURE REVIEW ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

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