ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS AND THE UTILIZATION OF TRADITIONAL HERBS IN THE TREATMENT OF MALARIA

ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS AND THE UTILIZATION OF TRADITIONAL HERBS IN THE TREATMENT OF MALARIA

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​​​​​​​BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Malaria is a potentially fatal disease that is spread from person to person by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO) (2019). Malaria is caused by parasites that are passed on to humans via the bites of infected female mosquitoes. According to the World Malaria Report 2018, fifteen countries in sub-Saharan Africa and India were responsible for almost 80% of the global malaria burden. However, just five countries were responsible for nearly half of all cases of malaria across the globe. These five countries were Nigeria (25%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (11%), Mozambique (5%), India (4%) and Uganda (4%). Among these countries, Nigeria, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo had the largest estimated increases, all of which were larger than 500,000 cases (WHO, 2018). A closer examination of these numbers reveals that Nigeria is the country with the greatest prevalence of malaria in the whole world. The female anopheles mosquitoes, which are abundant in the area, are the ones that are infected with the plasmodium parasite. These mosquitoes are also the ones that are responsible for spreading the illness by injecting the plasmodium into the circulation of the person. This parasite may survive in the body for up to 30 days, but it cannot be passed from one person to another under any circumstance other than pregnancy (Nwanze, 2017). Malaria is responsible for the diseases of more people in tropical regions each year than any other infectious disease (Erhun et al., 2014). Despite the fact that the worldwide incidence rate of malaria fell from 72 to 59 cases per 1000 people at risk between the years of 2010 and 2017, Nigeria was identified as one of the 10 highest burden nations in Africa with recorded increases in cases of malaria in 2017 compared with 2016. (WHO World Malaria Report, 2018). In terms of the number of people who passed away as a result of malaria in 2015, Africa accounted for 90% of all cases of malaria and 92% of all fatalities caused by malaria (WHO, 2016). According to the World Malaria Report 2018, Nigeria was responsible for 19% of the total number of deaths caused by malaria worldwide (WHO, 2018).

Malaria is more common in rural areas because the environment is more conducive to the spread of the parasite that causes it, such as the presence of bushes, standing water, and the use of open containers to store water for use in the home, particularly during the wet season. On the other hand, the risk of infection is significantly higher in urban areas (De Silva and Marshal, 2012). In certain third world metropolitan regions, notably in Nigeria, uncontrolled urbanization results in an increasing number of slums that simulate a rural environment. This, in turn, leads to an increase in the spread of the disease malaria. In a setting like this, the reproduction of vectors is helped along by the existence of wetlands, gutters, and dense vegetation. In many Nigerian cities, the problems of rural-to-urban migration, the presence of poverty in the population, environmental degradation, and the difficulties of providing decent housing, portable water, sanitation, and transportation are all too common, and they all contribute to an increase in the risk of malaria infection.

Traditional healers have, over the course of many generations, won the faith in the treatment of quite a significant number of people living in Africa for a variety of illnesses (Nwanze, 2017). They are often the first people in the community to be contacted when illnesses or diseases make an appearance, serving in that capacity the majority of the time. Up until a little more than half a century ago, when allopathic medical practice began acquiring a foothold in various sections of the continent, this practice—despite its evident flaws—was the only means on which Africans were able to depend. A decade into the 21st century, however, it would seem that the traditional practice has not yet fully given way to the medical methods and techniques that have been validated via scientific research.

Traditional healers have continued to play an active role in the treatment of malaria and other conditions that are linked to malaria in various African countries, including Nigeria, including Nigeria (Erhun et al., 2014). Due to the fact that the majority of these treatments lack any verifiable evidence of any quantifiable results, as well as the propensity for a chance of receiving an incorrect or inaccurate diagnosis, it is questionable whether or not these practitioners are effectively treating malaria. In addition, the strength of these medications, the content of any contaminants that they may contain, as well as their immediate and long-term carcinogenic and teratogenic effects, are often unknown. Additionally, it has been discovered that a refusal to refer patients or delays in doing so contribute to an increase in the number of deaths caused by malaria, which in turn has further hampered the process of overall malaria control and prevention. This predicament has also been held responsible for being a contributing element towards the evidently poor speed of the development of the "roll back malaria" (RBM) effort in the majority of African countries (Erhun et al., 2014).

​​​​​​​STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Utilization of traditional medicine poses unique issues about the safety of the practice. According to Bercaw et al. (2010), being exposed to chemicals like those found in herbs and supplements has the potential to have a negative impact on life, which may also lead to maternal morbidity and death. In spite of the fact that health professionals are aware of these concerns, many people who use traditional medicine in treating malaria do not disclose their use of herbal medicines to their health care providers. This is the case despite the fact that some of the herbal medicine that is used has been reported to have been recommended by health care providers (Duru et al., 2016). The conditions of the environment in urban slums are ideal for the development of mosquito populations. Additionally, there may be issues about the accessibility, price, and acceptability of conventional medical treatments like as prenatal care. As a result, the purpose of this research was to investigate the socioeconomic level of malaria patients as well as the application of traditional herbs in the treatment of the disease.

​​​​​​​OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The primary objective of this study is to assess the socioeconomic status and the utilization of traditional herbs in the treatment of malaria. Specifically, other objectives of this study are:

1. To determine the extent of malaria prevalence in Nigeria.
2. To determine the extent traditional herbs is used in the treatment of malaria in Nigeria.
3. To determine whether educational background influence the utilization of traditional herbs in the treatment of malaria.
4. To determine whether income level influence the utilization of traditional herbs in the treatment of malaria.
5. To determine whether community beliefs influence the utilization of traditional herbs in the treatment of malaria.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following questions will be answered in this study:

1. To what extent is malaria prevalence in Nigeria?
2. To what extent is traditional herbs used in the treatment of malaria in Nigeria?
3. Does educational background influence the utilization of traditional herbs in the treatment of malaria?
4. Does income level influence the utilization of traditional herbs in the treatment of malaria?
5. Does community beliefs influence the utilization of traditional herbs in the treatment of malaria?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

The following statements will be validated in the course of this study;

H01: Traditional herbs are not used in the treatment of malaria in Nigeria.

H02: The use of herbs in the treatment of malaria is not influenced by socioeconomic status.

​​​​​​​SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Because the results of this research will expose and educate us on the fundamental and general knowledge of malaria, its causes, and the application of traditional herbs in the treatment of malaria, the study will be most valuable to the society. In addition to this, the results of this research will be added to the existing body of literature on the topic of concern. As a result, it will be helpful to researchers, medical and non-medical students, and other intellectuals who may wish to carry out research on a topic that is related to the concern.

​​​​​​​SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on the assessment of socioeconomic status and the utilization of traditional herbs in the treatment of malaria. Specifically, this study focuses on determining the extent of malaria prevalence in Nigeria, determining the extent traditional herbs is used in the treatment of malaria in Nigeria, determining whether educational background affects the utilization of traditional herbs in the treatment of malaria, determining whether income level affects the utilization of traditional herbs in the treatment of malaria and determining whether community beliefs affects the utilization of traditional herbs in the treatment of malaria. The study will be carried out in Idiroko Town Of Ipokia Local government, Ogun State.

​​​​​​​LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. However, the researcher were able to manage these just to ensure the success of this study.

Moreover, the case study method utilized in the study posed some challenges to the investigator including the possibility of biases and poor judgment of issues. However, the investigator relied on respect for the general principles of procedures, justice, fairness, objectivity in observation and recording, and weighing of evidence to overcome the challenges.

​​​​​​​DEFINITION OF TERMS

Malaria: Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans.

Traditional medicine: Traditional medicine comprises medical aspects of traditional knowledge that developed over generations within the folk beliefs of various societies, before the era of modern medicine.

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