Approaches of South African Traditional Healers regarding the Treatment of Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract

Objective Due to the large number of Black South Africans known to consult with traditional healers and the influential role they play in the developing world, this study investigated the approaches of a group of 15 traditional healers toward the treatment of cleft lip and palate. Design An exploratory-descriptive, qualitative research design was employed, which involved the use of standardized, semistructured interviews, conducted with the assistance of an interpreter who was fluent in several African languages. Setting Interviews were conducted outdoors in places in which traditional healers usually consult with their patients. These areas were in the fields close to the traditional healers’ homes or under a highway bridge in the Johannesburg inner city. Participants Individual interviews were conducted with 15 African traditional healers who had been practicing in their callings for at least 1 year. Results Traditional healers interviewed had treated one to six persons with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. Most informants believed that clefts were caused by the ancestors, spirits, and witchcraft. A variety of plant and animal products were used to treat these conditions and were augmented by spiritual resources from the ancestors. All except one healer had undergone formal training, although they had received no specific training relative to cleft lip and palate. Most participants reported referring patients to Western health care practitioners who were referred to as modern doctors but did not receive reciprocal referrals from these professionals. Patients generally consulted with traditional healers because this approach was part of their culture. Conclusions These findings have important implications for health care professionals as well as traditional healers in terms of cross-cultural consultation, collaboration, and information sharing with regard to cleft lip and palate; the potential use of traditional healers in primary health care and education; and further research.