Investigation on the use of traditional medicine by mzuzu university staff members

Abstract

There is general recognition of the use of traditional medicine alongside synthetic medicine to cure different diseases in primary health care at the global level. In Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, 80% of the population uses traditional medicine to cure different diseases. In line with this trend, the researchers noted a steady increase in the use of traditional medicine among staff members at Mzuzu University, Malawi. This trend is contrary to the general belief that most ‘educated’ people have a negative attitude towards the use of traditional medicine as a solution to their health problems. This observation prompted researchers to investigate the use of traditional medicine among staff members at Mzuzu University in Malawi. The study used the social survey design, which used a questionnaire. Participants were purposively selected using snowball sampling to identify respondents of the study. The study revealed that some staff members use traditional medicine. Furthermore, findings show reasons such as promoting health, curing diseases and preventing diseases. Sources of information such as friends, colleagues and neighbours and family were frequently used in promoting knowledge about the use and awareness about traditional medicine. The study concludes that the use of traditional medicine is not only restricted among the rural population but also the literate population in higher education institutions. The study recommends that the Government of Malawi should formulate a policy, which will recognise traditional medicine in primary health care. The study also recommends libraries to develop collections on traditional medicine and continue documenting indigenous knowledge.