Relationship between orthodox and traditional medical practitioners in the transmission of traditional medical knowledge in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

The problem of incomplete transmission of traditional medical knowledge to the younger generation is of concern to information professionals especially in developing countries where most rural communities depend on traditional medicine for primary health care.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the collaboration between orthodox and traditional medical practitioners as well as the implication of the collaboration for transmission of traditional medical knowledge in Nigeria.

METHOD

Eighteen communities were purposively selected from six states in south-western Nigeria. Snowball technique was used in selecting 110 traditional medical practitioners. Three key informant interviews and two focus group discussion sessions were conducted in each state. Data were analysed thematically.

DISCUSSION

Results showed the existence of a low level of collaboration mainly in the form of patient referrals which were not performed officially and mostly one sided. This was attributed to the negative perception of traditional medicine by orthodox practitioners and the failure of government to give traditional medicine its due recognition. This was reportedly responsible for the lack of interest by children of traditional medical practitioners to acquire traditional medical knowledge.

CONCLUSION

The study recommends inclusion of traditional medicine in the health policy and educational curriculum from the basic level.