Knowledge, Perception and Utilization of Herbal Medicine in Treatment of Malaria in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria control has been a challenge around the world for decades. In malaria endemic nations like Sub-Saharan Africa, traditional herbal medicine is the most common option for treating malaria. About 80% of the world's population relies on the use of herbal medicine to treat a variety of diseases, and the use of plant materials in the treatment of illnesses has continuously expanded. This study sought to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes towards the use of traditional medicine in the treatment of malaria in southwest Nigeria. Descriptive design and multistage sampling techniques were utilised. During the first stage, three States were chosen through a balloting process utilising random sampling methods. Four (4) sections of the questionnaire were used to collect sociodemographic data and other factors that were important to the achievement of the given objectives. The findings revealed that 31.7% of the respondents had inadequate knowledge about traditional medicine for treatment of malaria. 20.8% had positive perceptions to the common herbal medicines used in the treatment of malaria. Majority stated malaria is not a serious disease to be concerned about, and that traditional medicine is superior to modern medicine. Conclusively, the results highlighted the respondent’s lack knowledge on the consequences of traditional medicine. A strong correlation between traditional medicine uses and perception in the treatment of malaria in southwest Nigeria was also discovered. The result of the study prompted a recommendation that the public health department of the ministry of health need to intensify campaign against use of unapproved herbs for treatment of malaria. Keywords; Malaria, Herbal Medicine, Treatment of Malaria.