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FOLK MEDICINE AMONG THE KAMBARI OF NIGER STATE
FOLK MEDICINE AMONG THE KAMBARI OF NIGER STATE
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to describe Kambari folk medicine. The research was conducted in Kambari dominated Magama Local Government Area, Niger State. Nasko, Salka and Magaman – Daji communities were selected for the study. Seventy nine (79) households were selected in Nasko, 78 in Salka and 74 in Magaman–Daji by first enumerating the Kambari households at each site after which a systematic random sampling was conducted. In all, a total of 231 household heads responded to the questionnaire. Thirteen traditional healers (five in Nasko and four each in Salka and Magaman – Daji) were included in the study. An in-depth interview was conducted with each of them on diseases they treat and the outcomes of the treatments. They had been practicing traditional medicine for an average of 19 years. The household heads belong in three religious groups; Islam (48.9%), Christianity (28.2%) and Kambari Traditional Religion (22.9%). Fifty one percent (51%) of them had formal education, ranging from primary to tertiary levels. Sixty three percent (63%) of the respondents believe that illnesses are caused by supernatural factors. They use traditional medicines for treatment. Thirty nine percent (39%) reported that they use only modern ix medicines for treatment. Male adults in the households constitute a form of medical team for sick members of their extended family. They consult in diagnosing and treating the ailments. Elderly women provide gynaecological and paediatric services to younger females and children in their respective households. The study reveals a medical pluralism among the Kambari. A cumulative 76% of the household heads either use traditional and or combine it with modern medicines for treating household members. Mothers in 66.2% of the households deliver their babies at home, taken by traditional birth attendants. The rest deliver at modern health facilities. There is a high prevalence of chronic ailments with 55% of the households having one or more members suffering from either leprosy, infertility, crippling deformity, epilepsy, vesico vaginal fistula or blindness. The ailments worsened and became intractable due to ineffective treatment using traditional medicines at onset. While 38.5% of the traditional healers work full time, 61.5% combine traditional medical practice with other occupations. They have designated places in their homes for treating patients. All the four female healers specialize in gynaecology and paediatrics. About 69% of all healers believe that illnesses are solely caused by supernatural factors. Eight traditional x healers revealed having informal professional relationship with the modern health practitioners and often referred clients to them. Most healers claim success in treatment. Only two reported the deaths of patients in their care which were attributed to non-compliance with treatment schedules. Domestic/bush animals, specified clothing materials and money are accepted and paid instalmentally by compound heads for treatments. The findings show that level of educational attainment, age and place of residence influence the choice of forms of treatment sought by the Kambari. Those who have lower education tend to patronize traditional medicine which is less effective in treating some diseases. It is recommended that the Kambari should have more access to schools. Mass enlightenment campaign on modern health services should be embarked upon while proper machinery should be put in place to make such health services available, accessible and affordable.
FOLK MEDICINE AMONG THE KAMBARI OF NIGER STATE