Sociodemographic Characteristics of Traditional Healers and Their Knowledge of Noma: A Descriptive Survey in Three Regions of Mali.
Details
Serval ID
serval:BIB_417F4A3393CD
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Sociodemographic Characteristics of Traditional Healers and Their Knowledge of Noma: A Descriptive Survey in Three Regions of Mali.
Journal
International journal of environmental research and public health
ISSN
1660-4601 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
1660-4601
Publication state
Published
Issued date
19/11/2019
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
16
Number
22
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Publication Status: epublish
Publication Status: epublish
Abstract
Background: Noma can be a lethal disease and causes disfigurement in young children in low-resource countries, particularly in Africa. In these settings, 80% of the population mainly consult traditional healers for healthcare problems. Our study aimed to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of traditional healers and to assess their knowledge of noma. Methods: We conducted a survey among traditional healers in three Malian regions from May 2015 to January 2016 and collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, professional activity, knowledge, and experience of noma and collaboration with modern medicine. Results: Among 770 traditional healers invited to participate, 732 responded (95%) (mean age, 54.5 years). Most were illiterate (66.3%), which was associated with older age (p < 0.001). Although they treated all types of disease, only 10.5% had some knowledge of noma, with regional differences (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Noma is poorly known among traditional healers, especially in remote areas. Our findings suggest a lack of interest among young people for traditional medicine, implying an imminent decrease of healers, and thus the need for national health systems to strengthen and promote access to modern health care. Training programmes to improve the early diagnosis referral of noma patients should include all types of primary health workers.
Keywords
Adult, Aged, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Health Personnel/psychology, Health Personnel/statistics & numerical data, Humans, Male, Mali, Medicine, Traditional/methods, Medicine, Traditional/statistics & numerical data, Middle Aged, Noma/diagnosis, Noma/drug therapy, Socioeconomic Factors, Surveys and Questionnaires, Noma, access to health, cancrum oris, traditional healers, traditional medicine, west Africa
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
15/12/2019 15:51
Last modification date
23/04/2024 6:10