Introduction of the Teaching of Traditional Medicine in Medical Schools in Togo

Abstract

Objectives: The use of traditional medicine is widespread in many countries of the world. A study found that 80% of rural populations living in developing countries depend on traditional medicine for their health needs. African Traditional Medicine remains poorly documented. However, because of this large attendance by the population, African physicians cannot continue to ignore this fact. The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey among physicians to find out what they think about the introduction of the teaching of ATM in medical schools in Togo. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey of Togolese physicians over a period of a year, from December 1 st , 2016 to November 30 th , 2017. An anonymous questionnaire was sent to them and retrieved after filling. The socio-demographic and the general data on traditional medicine were asked. Results: 276 physicians completed the questionnaire. Their average age was 34.41 years. These physicians exercised mainly in public hospitals (91.3%). General practitioners were predominant (67.4%). The majority (62.7%) of the physicians surveyed believed in the existence of the ATM and 57.6% had at least once witnessed its success. ATM teaching in medical schools was approved by 209 (75.7%) of the physicians surveyed. Conclusion: The teaching of African traditional medicine in medical schools is widely accepted by the physicians surveyed. The challenges of this teaching are important because of the lack of documentation and resource persons.