Predictors of traditional medical knowledge transmission and acquisition in South West Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the roles of demographic variables in the transmission and acquisition of traditional medical knowledge (TMK) in rural communities of South West Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted. Three communities from each of the six states in South West Nigeria were purposively selected. Snowball technique was used in selecting 228 Traditional Medical Practitioners (TMPs), while convenience sampling was used in selecting 529 traditional medicine apprentices. The structured questionnaire used focused on the demographic characteristics of the TMPs and their apprentices. Three key informant interviews and two focus group discussion sessions were also conducted in each state. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression and Chi square analysis, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Logistic regression analyses showed that years of experience (Exp(B) = 1.875) was a significant predictor of knowledge transmission by the TMPs. Apprentices’ marital status (Exp(B) = 2.250), expected length of apprenticeship (Exp(B) = 0.305) and completed length of apprenticeship (Exp(B) = 15.782) were significant predictors of TMK acquisition. Qualitative results also showed a relationship between age, sex, education and TMK transmission. Enhanced level of education improved transmission, while religion reportedly hindered acquisition. Improved access to basic and adult education and the need to stop gender discrimination is recommended to improve TMK transmission.