Mobile “doctors” and their medical diagnosis in rural Southern Nigeria. Truth or deception? A public health case report

Umeh, Chukwuemeka A.; Onyi, Stella Chioma; Ahaneku, Hycienth

doi:10.11604/pamj.2014.17.148.3777

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 3 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“… 14 Contrary to traditional health practice, in the biomedical system, instruments used include the use of technology such as stethoscopes, thermometers, data scopes for blood pressure and laboratory tests. 41 Historically, THPs were not using any medical materials for assessment or diagnostics. However, modernisation has changed this, and the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, aprons and goggles is reported.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Traditional health practitioners’ training needs on biomedical knowledge and skills in a South African township

Moeta,

Musie,

Seretlo

et al. 2023

African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Traditional health practitioners (THPs) play an important role in communities by providing necessary health services for a variety of health problems. Possessing complementary biomedical knowledge and skills is vital in saving lives of patients. However, less is known about biomedical knowledge and skills among THPs. Aim This study aimed to explore and describe the training needs of THPs on biomedical knowledge and skills in urban townships in South Africa. Setting The study was conducted in a township in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality of Gauteng province, South Africa. Methods A qualitative, explorative, descriptive design with 18 THPs was employed through snowballing sampling. Data were collected through a lekgotla group discussion and thematic content analysis undertaken. Results Themes that emanated include knowledge of the basic physiological functioning of the human body; biomedical knowledge and skills required for the assessment of patients; managing emergency health conditions and understanding diagnostic concepts used in traditional health practice versus biomedical systems. Conclusion Traditional health practitioners have demonstrated interest in being trained on certain skills used within the biomedical system to care for patients. Performing the necessary first-aid skills by THPs will assist patients in the communities while waiting for emergency services or referrals. Provision of training programmes for THPs on first aid interventions during emergencies is therefore recommended. Contribution The study revealed that capacitating THPs with biomedical knowledge and skills can improve their ability to promote healthy living and prevent health problems in communities where access to resources is limited.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Traditional health practitioners’ training needs on biomedical knowledge and skills in a South African township

Moeta,

Musie,

Seretlo

et al. 2023

African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The method of treatment under spiritualism, divination, bone setting and services of unlicensed practitioners [47] and mobile doctors, who were actually herbalists using digital medical equipment to create a false impression of providing treatment [48].…”

Section: Nigeriamentioning

confidence: 99%

Global prevalence of quackery practices: a scoping review of definitions, regulations, and allied healthcare

Veesar,

Ather Akhlaq,

Siddiqi

2024

J Pak Med Assoc

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Advancements in medical science and digital access made it easier for individuals to seek appropriate treatment. Despite living in the current information era, the practice of quackery has continued worldwide. The current scoping review was planned to explore different definitions and laws related to quackery, and the acceptance of allied healthcare services in traditional, cultural and legal contexts. The review examined a total of 3,327 published studies and 400 pieces of grey literature, including existing laws, regulatory authority websites, news articles and reports. A total of 56 studies and 21 excerpts were shortlisted for analysis. The definitions of quackery varied significantly across regions, but a general consensus is that unauthorised healthcare practices constitute quackery. Legal perspectives differed worldwide, with Europe, North America and Oceania discouraging allied healthcare services, such as homeopathy, naturopathy and traditional methods, considering them quackery. ---Continue

show abstract

Mobile “doctors” and their medical diagnosis in rural Southern Nigeria. Truth or deception? A public health case report

Cited by 2 publications

References 3 publications

Traditional health practitioners’ training needs on biomedical knowledge and skills in a South African township

Traditional health practitioners’ training needs on biomedical knowledge and skills in a South African township

Global prevalence of quackery practices: a scoping review of definitions, regulations, and allied healthcare

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About