Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Volume 161, 23 February 2015, Pages 138–146

Research Paper

Prevalence and pattern of traditional medical therapy utilisation in Kumasi metropolis and Sekyere south district, Ghana

• Razak Mohammed Gyasi^, , 
• Lawrencia Pokuah Siaw , 
• Charlotte Monica Mensah 

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Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Whilst over three-quarters of the world׳s population continues to use traditional medicine (TRM) with an increasing trend globally, limited data exist in the Ashanti Region regarding TRM utilisation. This study espoused a retrospective cross-sectional quantitative approach to examine the prevalence and pattern of TRM use among the general population in the Kumasi Metropolis and Sekyere South District, Ghana.

Materials and methods

A sample of 324, drawn through systematic random sampling was used. The main instrument for data collection was formal face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests from the PASW (V.17.0) with p≤0.05 as significant.

Results

The survey found that TRM use alongside conventional medicines was pervasive with prevalence of 86.1%. Biologically-based therapies (88.5%) and distant prayer interventions (58.4%) were commonly used modalities through the influence of families (50.3%), friends (19.4%) and the mass media (18.0%). Whilst self-administration and purchases from pharmacy shops remained important sources of TRM, TMPs׳ consultation was less credible (p<0.005). The disclosure rate of TRM use to health care professionals remained low (12.2%; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Concomitant TRM use with conventional therapies without disclosure may interfere with the potency of treatment regimen and result in drug interactions. Inclusion of alternative medicines on the National Health Insurance Scheme’s drug plan will fortify monitoring and professional administration of TRM. Information as regards TRM use needs to be incorporated into clinical and medical practice, hence the need to prioritise patient-physician communication.

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Graphical abstract

Keywords

• Biologically-based therapy; 
• Ghana; 
• Indigenous knowledge; 
• Materia medica; 
• Therapeutic pluralism;
• Traditional medicine

Correspondence to: Department of Geography and Rural Development, Faculty of Social Sciences, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Mobile: +233 20 854 5052.

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