Prevalence and reasons to seek traditional healing methods among residents of two localities in North Kordofan State, Sudan 2022: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Background and AimsTraditional medicines are one of Africa's primary response mechanisms to medical emergencies, while, in other communities, all healthcare decisions are based on indigenous traditions and beliefs. For millions of individuals who reside in rural areas throughout low‐ and middle‐income nations, those healers serve as their only primary healthcare practitioners. This study intends to examine the availability, preferences, and practices of traditional medicine seeking among the Sudanese of North Kordofan state.MethodA descriptive cross‐sectional study was carried out in two conveniently chosen localities in North Kordofan state, namely Barrah, and Shaikan. A structured questionnaire with three sections—sociodemographic, attitudes, and forms of traditional medical practices—was used for face‐to‐face interviews with the residents. The frequency (n) and percentage (%) of categorical data are presented. The Chi‐square and Fischer exact tests were performed to determine characteristics related to traditional medicine practice and the preferred type of medicine among participants; a p value of.05 was considered significant.ResultsA total of 302 residents took part in the study, with the 15–30 age group constituting the majority. The majority of participants (89.1%) used traditional medicine, and the majority of them (92.4%) learned about it from their families. The major type of traditional medicine (60.3%) used was a medical herbs–herb practitioner. Cultural influences (57%) and the effectiveness of traditional medicines (48.3%) were the most common reasons for seeking those medicines.ConclusionMost participants seek traditional medicine, with traditional herbs and holy recitation commonly used. Affordability, therapeutic effectiveness, and cultural and religious influence were reasons for preferring traditional medicine.

Traditional healing for physical and mental problems in the Arab region: past and current practices

“…This is exemplified in a recent Sudanese study, in which 89% of participants sought traditional medicine, specifically medical herbs and holy recitation. 11 The study affirmed that affordability, cultural and religious influences and perceived effectiveness were pivotal motivations driving individuals to seek traditional treatments. Additionally, the prevalence and pattern of traditional healing service usage are significantly influenced by political and situational contexts.…”