CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The healthcare landscape in Nigeria is characterized by a diverse array of healing traditions, among which traditional medicine holds significant cultural and historical relevance. Traditional medicine, often deeply rooted in local customs and beliefs, has been an integral part of healthcare practices in Nigeria for centuries. Despite the advances in modern medicine, traditional healing methods continue to play a crucial role, especially in rural and underserved communities where access to conventional healthcare services may be limited. This introduction seeks to explore the multifaceted role of traditional medicine within the context of primary healthcare in Nigeria. M.I., & Suleiman, U.H. (2010).
Traditional medicine in Nigeria encompasses various indigenous healing practices, including herbalism, spiritual healing, and traditional bone-setting, among others. These practices are often passed down through generations and are deeply intertwined with cultural beliefs and community norms. Moreover, traditional healers, known as herbalists, traditional birth attendants, and spiritualists, wield significant influence within their communities and are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare services. Fakeye, T.O., & Onyemadu, O. (2008).
While modern medicine has made considerable strides in Nigeria, challenges such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, high costs, and geographical barriers persist, particularly in rural areas. In such contexts, traditional medicine serves as a vital healthcare resource, offering accessible, affordable, and culturally relevant solutions to healthcare needs. Additionally, traditional medicine practitioners possess a wealth of indigenous knowledge about local medicinal plants and healing techniques, which can complement and enhance the effectiveness of conventional healthcare practices. James, P.B., Wardle, J., Steel, A., & Adams, J. (2018).
Despite its widespread use and cultural significance, traditional medicine in Nigeria faces various challenges, including issues related to standardization, regulation, and integration into the formal healthcare system. The coexistence of traditional and modern healthcare systems presents both opportunities and challenges for healthcare delivery in Nigeria, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to harness the strengths of both approaches. By acknowledging the role of traditional medicine in primary healthcare and fostering dialogue between traditional healers and modern healthcare providers, Nigeria can work towards a more inclusive and comprehensive healthcare system that meets the diverse needs of its population. Lawal, I.O., Grierson, D.S., & Afolayan, A.J. (2016).Top of Form
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1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite its longstanding presence and cultural significance, the integration of traditional medicine into the primary healthcare system in Nigeria remains a complex and underexplored issue. Traditional medicine practices, while widely utilized, often operate outside the formal healthcare system, leading to a lack of standardization, regulation, and coordination with modern medical practices. This fragmentation poses challenges in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of traditional healthcare services, particularly in rural and marginalized communities where reliance on traditional healers may be high due to limited access to conventional healthcare facilities. M.I., & Suleiman, U.H. (2010).
Furthermore, the coexistence of traditional and modern healthcare systems presents inherent tensions and dilemmas, including questions about the compatibility of different healing paradigms, the potential for conflicts in treatment approaches, and the need for collaboration and mutual respect between traditional healers and biomedical practitioners. Addressing these issues is essential for promoting equitable healthcare access, improving health outcomes, and fostering a healthcare system that respects and integrates both traditional and modern healing practices to meet the diverse needs of Nigeria's population. Fakeye, T.O., & Onyemadu, O. (2008).Top of Form
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine Exploring the Role of Traditional Medicine in Primary Healthcare in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:
- 1. To assess the utilization and perception of traditional medicine in primary healthcare.
- 2. To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and quality of traditional medicine practices in primary healthcare.
- To explore the feasibility and potential benefits of integrating traditional medicine into primary healthcare systems.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- To what extent is traditional medicine used alongside or instead of conventional biomedicine in primary healthcare settings across different regions of Nigeria?
- What are the prevalent types of traditional medicine practices and herbal remedies used in primary healthcare settings in Nigeria?
- What are the existing models for integrating traditional medicine into primary healthcare systems in other countries, and what are the lessons learned that can be applied in Nigeria?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between Traditional Medicine and Primary Healthcare in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Public Health sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Warri Metropolis, Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
REFERENCES
Abdu-Aguye, S.N., Musa, A.M., Abdullahi, M.I., & Suleiman, U.H. (2010). The perception and practice of traditional medicine in the treatment of cancers and inflammations by the Hausa and Fulani tribes of Northern Nigeria. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 133(2), 289-296.
Fakeye, T.O., & Onyemadu, O. (2008). Evaluation of knowledge base of hospital pharmacists and physicians on herbal medicines in Southwestern Nigeria. Pharmacy World & Science, 30(6), 873-878.
James, P.B., Wardle, J., Steel, A., & Adams, J. (2018). Traditional, complementary and alternative medicine use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. BMJ Global Health, 3(5), e000895.
Lawal, I.O., Grierson, D.S., & Afolayan, A.J. (2016). Phytotherapeutic information on plants used for the treatment of tuberculosis in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016.
World Health Organization. (2008). Traditional Medicine Strategy 2002–2005. World Health Organization.
