TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTICES IN HEALTH CARE DELIVERY IN THE NADOWLI DISTRICT OF THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The study was carried in the Nadowli District in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The focus of the study was on Traditional Medical Practices in Health care delivery in the Nadowli District. The study methodology was the mixed method using both qualitative and quantitative methods. About 120 respondents were selected using the probability sampling methods while the key informants and focus group discussants were also selected using the non- probability methods. Some of the field tools used in collecting data includes the semi- structured questionnaire, questionnaires and FGD check list. Some key findings were made in the study. The study found out that 75% to 80% patronize the traditional health care services. Clients go to seek the modem health care services after their conditions failed to improve after using the herbs. It was also found out that Traditional Medical Health care contributes significantly to the health care needs of the people in the study area because of its accessibility. Some challenges however that Traditional Medical practitioners face is the difficulty in finding the herbs they go to find from the bush due to the rampant bush fires in the area. Also the remuneration to TMS practitioners was found not to be rewarding as clients are asked to drop a coin or a small chicken for the gods. The study concludes that traditional health care practices in the study area strongly complements the modem medical health care system. The study recommends further study in areas of client satisfaction in the use of traditional herbs.