A study of factors contributing to community utilization of traditional medicine in Lusaka urban,Zambia.

Abstract

This study of factors contributing to the use of traditional medicine was undertaken in Lusaka urban. 75 respondents consisting of 34 males and 41 females were sampled. 25 traditional healers were interviewed as well. Literature reviewed generally showed that mankind worlwide has been using traditional medicine as long as he has existed. The study elicited the following findings: traditional medicine is used by the majority of people either partially or in totality and that the factors contributing to the use of traditional medicines are the socio-economic status of an individual, his religious beliefs, cost sharing and the type of illness an individual has all contributed to the choice of using traditional medicine.