Alternative Medicine in Nigeria: Exploring Potential Side Effects and Reasons Why People Practice it
Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- 1 N. A. Semashko Department of Public Health and Healthcare, F.F. Erisman Institute of Public Health, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Sechenovskiy University, Moscow, Russia
- 2 Geneva Center of Humanitarian Studies, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Abstract
Background: In Nigeria, alternative medicine remains deeply rooted in culture, tradition, and religion, forming vital component of healthcare for a significant portion of the population. This study aims to explore the reasons behind the widespread use of alternative medicine in Nigeria, examine its potential side effects, and evaluate its role within the broader health system.
Method: The study adopted a quantitative research approach. Total of 322 responses were gotten through structured questionnaires (Google Forms). Frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. Inferential statistics was also applied where necessary to test associations and relationships between selected variables. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05
Results: The results indicate a high prevalence of AM use among respondents, with 63.4% being male and 64.9% aged between 18 and 30 years. Notably, 38.8% of participants were from the medical profession. Commonly used forms of AM included herbal remedies (46.9%), prayer/fasting (25.4%), and bone-setting (23.3%). Key motivations for AM use were financial challenges (34.9%), strong beliefs (30.5%), and lack of accessibility to medical facilities (21.7%). While 33.2% of respondents affirmed that they were very satisfied with AM. 18.2% reported experiencing side effects such as pain (44.7%) and headaches (29.8%), which were often dismissed by traditional healers as signs of healing.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the widespread reliance on AM and highlight the need for regulatory frameworks, public education, and possible integration of AM into formal healthcare systems to ensure safety and efficacy.
Method: The study adopted a quantitative research approach. Total of 322 responses were gotten through structured questionnaires (Google Forms). Frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. Inferential statistics was also applied where necessary to test associations and relationships between selected variables. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05
Results: The results indicate a high prevalence of AM use among respondents, with 63.4% being male and 64.9% aged between 18 and 30 years. Notably, 38.8% of participants were from the medical profession. Commonly used forms of AM included herbal remedies (46.9%), prayer/fasting (25.4%), and bone-setting (23.3%). Key motivations for AM use were financial challenges (34.9%), strong beliefs (30.5%), and lack of accessibility to medical facilities (21.7%). While 33.2% of respondents affirmed that they were very satisfied with AM. 18.2% reported experiencing side effects such as pain (44.7%) and headaches (29.8%), which were often dismissed by traditional healers as signs of healing.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the widespread reliance on AM and highlight the need for regulatory frameworks, public education, and possible integration of AM into formal healthcare systems to ensure safety and efficacy.
Keywords
Alternative medicine
Complementary Medicine
Side effects
Traditional African Medicine
Reasons for practice
Nigeria