Role of Traditional Healers in Managing Severe Malaria in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Makundi Emmanuel A, Malebo Hamisi M, Mhame Paulo, Kitua Andrew Y, Warsame Marian
Primary Institution: National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanzania
Hypothesis
How do traditional healers influence the management of severe malaria among children under five in Tanzania?
Conclusion
Traditional healers play a crucial role in managing severe malaria in children by providing initial care and facilitating referrals to modern health services.
Supporting Evidence
- 75% of mothers believed that convulsions in children were caused by evil spirits.
- Traditional healers were seen as the primary source of treatment for convulsions before seeking modern care.
- Collaboration between traditional healers and modern health providers improved management of severe malaria.
Takeaway
In Tanzania, when kids get really sick from malaria, moms often first take them to traditional healers who help cool them down before going to the hospital.
Methodology
A community cross-sectional study with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions involving traditional healers, caregivers, and community leaders.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported practices and beliefs of traditional healers and caregivers.
Limitations
The study may not fully capture the perspectives of all community members or the complexities of treatment-seeking behavior.
Participant Demographics
{"mothers":{"total":84,"gender":"female","age_distribution":{"15-19":2,"20-29":46,"30-39":30,"40-49":6}},"traditional_healers":{"total":41,"gender":{"male":27,"female":14},"age_distribution":{"30-39":3,"40-49":3,"50-59":5,"60-69":5,"70-79":18,"80-89":7}}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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