Factors Associated With the Use of Traditional Medicine in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Traditional medicine is widely used for the management of various health problems in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing the use of traditional medicine in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia. In conducting the study, the qualitative method was used, involving 45 in-depth interviews with traditional practitioners, patients and caregivers. Thematic analysis was conducted in analyzing data. The findings revealed that the use of traditional medicine was influenced by five major themes: perceived inefficacy of biomedicine, perceived incurability of some diseases via biomedicine, testimonies of effectiveness of traditional medicine, affordability of traditional medicine and feeling of embarrassment to present medical conditions to practitioners of biomedicine. It was also found that traditional medicine was an accepted medical practice and was likely to remain so despite the expansion of modern healthcare services. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the role and use of traditional medicine as an alternative medical practice and ensure its best possible contribution to the local healthcare system.