UNORTHODOX MEDICAL PRACTICES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MALARIA AND TUBERCULOSIS IN IFEDORE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ONDO STATE.

Abstract

Unorthodox or Traditional medicine refers to medical practices that evolved with indigenous people and have been introduced to other cultures through emigration. This study determined the prevalence of malaria and tuberculosis in the study area and uncoveredUnorthodox Medical Practices employed in the management of these diseases. The research was carried out in Eroo, Ipogun, Isarun, Ibuji, Ikota and Aaye between February-December, 2018 in Ifedore Local Government Area, Ondo State. 348 housing units were visited during the research. Open-ended questionnaires was administered to 327 respondents in the study area to harvest the socio-demographic data of the respondents. The respondents were grouped into Community Dwellers (CDs) and Unorthodox Medical Practitioners (UMPs). Information relating to their Knowledge, practice and attitude to the diseases were obtained. Rapid diagnostic test using Malaria test kit (Malaria HRP2 (pf), CareStartTM, USA) was used to test for malaria prevalence while secondary data for tuberculosis prevalence was obtained from the Basic Health Centers in the communities. Plants of medicinal importance to the treatment of the two diseases, parts being used, method of preparation, dosage and method(s) of administration were documented.Relevant photographs of the plants were taken on sight and some collections were done. All the plants collected were identified using standard keys. The data from the questionnaire was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software for windows. From the research, Ero had the highest prevalence of malaria (86%) and highest number of Unorthodox Medical Practitioners (UMPs) with 23.8% while Ikota had the lowest with 9.5%.11 patients were reported positive for Tuberculosis. The research revealed that 50.3% of the respondents used only Herbs, 31.4% use Herbs and Tablets while 1.0% seek spiritual help as remedies for the diseases. A total of 281 instance of use of the plant species was recorded while 41 medicinal plants were identified. Amongthe medicinal plants mostly sourced for the treatment of malaria were Magnifera indica, Azadirachta indica, Osmium basilicum, Chromolaena odorata, Momordiac charantia, Senna Arabica, andJatropha curcas while Cocos nucifera and Musa paradisiaca were used in treating tuberculosis.In conclusion, western civilization had limited and inconsequential impact on the acceptance,practiceand use of Unorthodox Medicine in the management of these diseases in these rural/sub-urban communities.