International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 4, Issue 11, November -2015 1 ISSN 2278-7763 An Examination of the Perception and Patronage of Traditional Medicine in Kaduna State, Nigeria By 1Joshua Silas, 2Prof. M. Mamman 2Prof. J.G Laah and 2Dr. R.O Yusuf 1 Department of Geography, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State. 2 Department of Geography, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. [email protected] 08025749636 ABSTRACT This paper presents findings on the Perception and Patronage of Traditional Medicine in Kaduna State Nigeria. The aim of the study is to examine the perception and patronage of traditional medicine in Kaduna state. Data from the study was derived from the administration of a structured Questionnaire, Focus group discussion, In-depth interview and data from herbal clinic records. Data were collected from a questionnaire survey of a sample of 400 respondents of the study area. Descriptive statistics, the ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, regression analysis and satisfaction index were the techniques used to summarize the data and test the hypotheses. On links between need for diagnosis and patronage of traditional medicine facilities 3.2% patronize traditional healer for spiritual diagnosis while 2.2% did not. It means this group of persons patronizes other healthcare facilities for diagnosis. Also, the result shows that 9.5% and 82.2% of the respondents patronize the traditional healers for diagnosis of psychological and pathological problems. In addition, respondents with other health problems such as infertility among others patronize traditionalIJOART healers for diagnosis. In concise, the result indicates that majority of the respondents patronize traditional healers for diagnosis of pathological problems. Key words: Traditional Medicine, Patronage and Perception Copyright © 2015 SciResPub. IJOART International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 4, Issue 11, November -2015 2 ISSN 2278-7763 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction Traditional medicine has contributed immensely to healthcare delivery system in Nigeria and particularly Kaduna State. Despite its efficacy, traditional medicine is often used as a last resort when a variety of reasons do not permit the patient to access modern health care system. The belief that traditional medicine is ineffective and unscientific still occupies the minds of some people, even though not as strongly as it once was. Traditional medicine, according to Buor (2003), is largely patronized by the rural people who constitute a greater proportion of the population. It is noted that, even in urban areas, traditional medicine is largely patronized by those in the low income bracket. Studies by Darko, (2009) and Bempah, (2011) have shown that traditional medicine has proven to be very potent and effective but its methods of preparation and application need to be refined. This is because some diseases such as broken bone, sprain, malariaIJOART fever, and so on are better cured using traditional medical practices than orthodox medical practices, but the mindset of people, especially those in the developed world toward the orthodox medical practice discourages them from using traditional medicine. On the other hand, there are misconceptions that Orthodox medicine cannot treat every condition effectively, and some drugs have other side effects (WHO, 2008). Mortality and morbidity rate in developing countries is high, especially in Nigeria and Kaduna State in particular, due to the outbreak of diseases, accidents, maternal complications and other related ailments and this has a serious implication on the demographic characteristics of the population. As such people are forced to source for alternative healthcare services to cater for their healthcare needs, hence the increase in patronage of trado-medical services. Copyright © 2015 SciResPub. IJOART International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 4, Issue 11, November -2015 3 ISSN 2278-7763 The healthcare delivery system is a major factor that looks into the search for alternative or complimentary healthcare delivery system, so as to come up with policies that will integrate trado-medical services and orthodox medical system to enhance the health and wellbeing of the people in Kaduna State. This can best be achieved through detailed understanding of the perception and patronage of traditional medicine in Kaduna State. Perception in this study has three (3) dimensions: i. To see a pathway to improve trado-medical system as a natural resource capital to healthcare delivery system. ii. To sharpen the modern healthcare system through refocusing traditional medicine as it affects modern healthcare system patronage. That is, looking at how the inadequacy of modern healthcare is sustaining the traditional medicine. iii. To integrate the two healthcare system for workable policy. The general perception of the people is that the rural populist patronizes trado-medical services most, IJOARTthis may not always be the case, due to the belief, knowledge, awareness, feelings and how people view traditional medicine in the urban areas. As such, despite the provision of modern healthcare delivery services in the urban areas, the urban populace still patronizes trado-medical services due to their strong belief in traditional medicine. Indeed, the people of Kaduna State are strongly attached to their culture and tradition and irrespective of being in urban or rural area; they still have strong belief in traditional medicine which is a true reflection of most developing countries. Kaduna State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (KADSEEDS) clearly highlighted the relationship between poverty and health in Kaduna State. Copyright © 2015 SciResPub. IJOART International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 4, Issue 11, November -2015 4 ISSN 2278-7763 According to the 2006 World Bank Poverty Assessment Report, approximately 41% of the Kaduna State population are poor, and there is a high level of inequality in the distribution of wealth across the state. Poverty is connected with poor health status and extremely susceptibility; the poor are far more likely to experience environmental and social conditions that contribute to poor health and an increase in risk of accident, injury, illness and death. For some, ill health is a direct cause of poverty, especially so when catastrophic expenditure is incurred in the event of a health emergency (e.g. such as a road traffic accident or a maternal complication). The poor experience limited access to professional medical care, facilities and drugs. In the absence of other options, the poor tend to resort to traditional remedies when care-seeking, and are therefore prone to receiving sub-standard or ineffective care. Lack of affordability of healthcare is the main barrier of access to health services in many parts of Nigeria, closely followed by physical access barriers in some areas (World Bank, 2006 pg. 8). As illustrated, Kaduna State has 642 health clinics, 89 primary health centres, 1 comprehensive health centre, 12 model primary health centres, 28 secondary care centres (hospitals), 5 tertiary hospitals, 656 private health facilities and 2500 registered patent medicine shops. There are also 8 academic establishments and 4 post-basic training programmes for human resources training and development for health service. There are1,862 State Government hospital beds in 2005 and reported admissions of between 37,200 and 50,000. There IJOARTare 160 doctors and 1418 nurses in the State Health Service sector and 56 doctors in the private sector (Vision 2020 Kaduna State, 2010). In spite of the availability of these medical services, there is acute shortage of medical doctors, nurses and other health staff especially at primary healthcare level. Poor conditions of services including inadequate staff housing have made it extremely difficult to retain staff particularly in rural areas. Despite the circumstances, many health workers are being imaginative and creative in attempting to provide some measure of health service delivery to meet the needs of clients. The supply of drugs to facilities is irregular and ineffective. Essential drug items are out of stock in public hospitals and the PHC clinics are virtually without Government procured drugs (Vision 2020 Kaduna State, 2010). Copyright © 2015 SciResPub. IJOART International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 4, Issue 11, November -2015 5 ISSN 2278-7763 Many States in Nigeria including Kaduna State are currently looking towards either full or partial privatization of government services. This includes the privatization of hospitals where goals of financial independence have precluded dispensation of free care and medicine. Analysis of various State policies related to public health and medical plants usage has highlighted some important issues (Kaduna State Ministry of Health, 2004). Among them is the failure to meet basic health conditions due mainly to the following factors: inadequate decentralization of health services; isolation or inaccessibility of some rural communities; and persistence of traditional beliefs regarding pathology. This has led to underutilization of available services in health centres and high cost of services provided by hospitals in relation to the income of the people particularly the rural population (Kaduna State Ministry of Health, 2004). At present, all orthodox health services in Kaduna State are under severe economic constraints