Analysis of Factors Influencing Traditional Medicines Utilisation in Ghana: Evidence from Kumasi Metropolis and Sekyere South District

Utilisation of traditional medical therapy dates back into antiquity; virtually every culture in the world has relied on it to treat/prevent one ill-health or another. Despite the current advances in conventional health care, traditional medicine (TRM) use continues to upsurge at both local and global scales. Whereas findings of studies on why this trend persists remain confounding and erratic, there is paucity of data from research on determinants of TRM use in the Ashanti Region. This study investigated the nature of TRM utilisation and the factors that influence such utilisation patterns in Ghana using data from Kumasi Metropolis and Sekyere South District of Ashanti Region. This cross-sectional survey espoused a mixed-approach of social research to access data from 386 participants from rural and urban prefectures through systematic random sampling, theoretical sampling and snow ball techniques. Face-to-face structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and in-depth interview guides were the main data collection instruments used. Whereas the quantitative data were analysed using bivariate logit regression model, Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests from the PASW for Windows application programme (version 17.0), the qualitative data were subjected to content analysis with deductive and a posteriori normative quotes. Findings indicate that 86.1% of the sample utilised traditional health care, of which 87.8% did not disclose it use to biomedical providers. Biologically-based therapies and family/relatives were respectively, the main form and source of knowledge regarding TRM. TRM users were more likely to be traders [OR = 2.321 (95.0% CI 1.037—5.194; p = 0.040)], having lower income [OR= 2.883 (95.0% CI 1.142—7.277; p = 0.025)], perceiving TRM as effective [OR= 4.430 (95.0% CI 1.645—11.934; p = 0.003)] reporting fewer side effects of use of TRM [OR = 2.730 (95.0% CI 0.986—4.321; p = 0.031)], having chronic diseases [OR = 3.821 (95.0% CI 1.213—11.311; p = 0.005)] and good attitudes of iv traditional healers towards service users [OR = 2.943 (95.0% CI 0.875—9.896; p = 0.030)]. Whilst support was expressed for full medical integration, education/training and inter-referral mechanisms needed to fuel the process were not officially sanctioned. Study hypotheses were validated by the results. The hypotheses that there are no differences in residential status (χ2 = 0.232, df = 1, p > 0.05), sex of respondents (χ2 = 0.406, df = 1, p > 0.05) and health insurance status (χ2 = 0.401, df = 1, p > 0.05) regarding TRM utilisation were confirmed. These findings contribute to the empirical and theoretical debate on TRM utilisation. The study has bequeathed a conceptual model for studies on TRM utilisation. It has further provided empirical evidence to argue against dogmatic thoughts that uninsured, uneducated, rural residents and females are principal users of TRM. Policy initiatives that seek to ameliorate TRM and address challenges encountered by intercultural health care in Ghana are recommended. Further research is directed to examine barriers/ways to improve patient-physician communication on TRM utilisation and why urban residents patronise TRM.

Source: KNUST