The role of indigenous medicine in maternal health: a case study of Nyamache Division in Kisii district, Kenya

Abstract

This study focuses on the role of indigenous medicine in maternal health services in Nyamache Division of Kisii District. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the role of indigenous medicine as a community utilized health care service in maternal health. This study regarded indigenous medicine as a resource which plays an important function in maternal health services among the Abagusii. The fact that indigenous medicine continues to be used to complement the allopathic health services, implies that it has an important function in the society.

The data on which this study is based was obtained between November 1996 and early February 1997. A total of one hundred and forty-four respondents were randomly selected and interviewed. Owing to the fact that no single method is absolutely adequate to obtain data, the study employed both primary and secondary sources of data collection. These included documentary sources, survey method, informal interviews, direct observation and case studies. Tr!e health belief model and the theory of..c..cognitive system were adopted as frames of reference to guide the study. Various statistical methoct!', Slf~ frequency distribution, percentages,

tables and cross-tabulations, were used to present the data.

The findings from the study indicate that the majority of people in the research area do not have ready access to modern health facilities. The existence of facilities for maternal health

care in the division does not necessarily mean that they will be used, even by the women who have been advised to use them. Sometimes, the health centre/dispensary lacks drugs or is far away from a woman's home and possibly the woman lacks time, money and even transport to reach the clinic. Accessibility and affordability of the treatment greatly influence the health seeking behaviour. As a result, many people make use of the services of traditional healers _ everyday.

The study also reveals that socio-cultural beliefs associated with difficult deliveries and miscarriage influence the continued use of traditional birth attendants by pregnant women for home deliveries. It is believed that difficult deliveries and miscarriage are caused by a woman's illicit sexual relations and, therefore, necessitates a confession of guilt on her part.

The findings suggest that there is an urgent need to train more TBAs in hygienic ways with :t

regard to the improvement of delivery of their services because they are the closest to women when their services are needed. TBAs are well versed with ailments that are likely to affect a pregnant woman and treat mainly using indigenous medicine. Besides, efforts should be made

... to intensify mobile clinics in order to reach my p~ who have problems of travelling long distances to seek health care services. The government should enact favorable laws in licensing indigenous medical 'consultants who have efficacious concoctions to operate without fear since some of them are misconceived as practicing magic and witchcraft