The Perceptions of Traditional Healers Regarding Cancers in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

<i>Background:</i> Many cancer patients in low-income countries seek care from traditional healers and use traditional medicines for cancer treatment. However, little is known about the perceptions and influence of traditional healers and the treatment decisions of cancer patients. Thus, we aimed to explore the perceptions of traditional healers regarding cancer, which can help in preventive interventions, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality from cancer. <i>Methods: </i>This ethnographic study was conducted between April and August 2023 in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. Purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling techniques were used to sample participants. In-depth interviews were conducted individually at participants’ homes in quiet places, and in the absence of respondents, between 45 and 55 minutes, using a semi-structured tool aided by a voice recorder and field notes. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim within a week, and thematic qualitative analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes. <i>Results:</i> Seven major themes were identified in traditional healers’ perceptions of cancer: (i) respondents’ perception of cancer; (ii) perceived causes of cancer; (iii) perceived signs of cancer; (iv) perceived transmission of cancer; (v) respondents’ perception of cancer detection; (vi) respondents' perception of cancer treatment; and (vii) respondents’ perception of ‘no modern cure for cancer. <i>Conclusion: </i>Traditional healers have limitations on their perception of cancer, including what cancer it is, its causes, signs, identification, and treatments. Thus, traditional healers need to be provided training and behavioral-changing interventions about cancer in order to improve cancer interventions.