Knowledge, attitude and practices on eye diseases among traditional healers in Kitui District
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Before the introduction of modem medicine, each African
community had a way of treating various health conditions including eye
diseases. Most of these practices have since changed. There are however some
prevailing practices in certain communities some of which have been associated
with many side effects and delays in seeking appropriate health care.
Study population: Traditional healers in Kitui District.
Main objectives: To establish the prevailing eye practices among traditional
healers in Kitui district and establish whether these healers are able to identify
ocular emergencies and refer in good time.
Type of study: cross-sectional survey
Sampling technique: two stage cluster random sampling technique
Results: A total of 87 healers were interviewed in 3 divisions of Kitui district.
Seventy six (87.4%) of them said that they could treat at least some of the eye
conditions presented to them. Use of plant juices put into the conjuctival sac was
the most preferred treatment modality and was practiced by 62 (71.3%) healers
for none specific red eyes, 46(52.9%) for cataracts, 48(55.2%) for ocular injuries
and 21(24.1%) for allergic conjunctivitis. The most performed surgical procedures
included rubbing the underside of the upper lid with a specific leaf for allergic
conjunctivitis with papillary reaction as performed by 43 (42.9%) healers,
piercing chalazia with a thorn or needle by 11(12.6%) healers and making small
incisions and applying herbs for ocular swelling by 4(4.6%) healers. The most
preferred treatment for chemical injury was breast milk from any breast feeding
mother as practiced by 29(33.3%) healers. Some healers mix traditional medicine
with exorcism and rituals especially for squint as practiced by 14(16%) healers
and ocular tumors by 9(10.3%) healers. The conditions the healers said they
would refer included ocular tumors as reported by 48(55.5%) healers, cataracts
by 34(52.9%) healers, ocular injury by 30(34.5%) healers and squint by 21(24.1%)
healers. The least understood conditions were leucocoria and ocular tumors.
Conclusion: Most interviewed healers treat patients who present to them with
eye diseases. Most of them are not able to recognize ocular emergencies to refer
in good time.
Citation
Degree of Masters of Medicine (Ophthalmology), University of NairobiPublisher
University of Nairobi Department of Ophthalmology
Description
A dissertation submitted in part fulfillment for the
degree of master of medicine (ophthalmology),
Faculty of medicine, department of ophthalmology
University of Nairobi.