Knowledge, attitude and practice of traditional medicine among people of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Studies and documentation on the current knowledge and practices of traditional medicine among African communities are lacking particularly in this era of modern health care expansion. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice of traditional medicine in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, Nigeria. A systemic random sampling technique was employed for this study. A semi-structured open and closed ended questionnaire was used to collect data through house to house interview among 300 participants identified for the study. The data was then analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 (Chicago, SPSS Inc.). The studies revealed two hundred and seventy four (94.8%) have heard about traditional medicine, while two hundred and forty two (83.7%) of them have used traditional medicine once or more in their life time, especially for the treatment of malaria and fever. One hundred and eleven (38.4%) of the respondents preferred using both traditional and modern medicine. The prevalence of Traditional Medicine patronage in Jos South LGA, Plateau state is high and this may be related to the socio-cultural acceptability, easy accessibility, and affordability of Traditional Medicine. Keywords: Knowledge; Attitude; Practice; Traditional Medicine; Nigeria