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Perceptions of safety and efficacy of traditional medicines by community members in Botswana

2013; Volume: 6; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.47556/j.ijfnph.6.2.2013.3

2042-5996

Harriet Okatch, Audrey Masizana-Katongo, Barbara Ntombi Ngwenya, Kerstin Andrae Marobela, Keitseng N. Monyatsi, Mbaki Muzila,

Pharmacological Effects of Medicinal Plants

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to understand the perceptions and attitudes of community members towards traditional medicines, including their safety, authenticity and efficacy. Methodology: A participatory exploratory study design was chosen, combined with a multiple approach to data collection and analysis using consultative and report-back workshops, individual interviews and focus-group discussions. Findings: Eighty-four per cent of the community members felt that traditional medicines are safe, especially if prescribed instructions are followed. Some of the interviewees felt that traditional healers were better equipped to treat certain diseases whilst biomedical doctors were more efficient in others, hence complementary. The efficacy of traditional medicines was undoubted; however, the authenticity of some traditional healers was questioned.