Socioeconomic and cultural factors influencing traditional medicine (TM) use in Nigeria: A systematic mixed method review

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

European Journal of Integrative Medicine Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI:10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102436

Abel Onolunosen Abhadionmhen , Edobor Peter Kenneth Imarenezor , Alloysius Chibuike Ogodo , Ahamefula Anslem Ahuchaogu

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Nigeria, with its diverse population and rich cultural heritage, presents a unique landscape for healthcare. Traditional medicine (TM) plays a significant role, particularly in rural areas with limited access to modern healthcare. This systematic mixed-methods review examines how socioeconomic and cultural factors influence the use of TM in Nigeria, addressing gaps in understanding how these factors affect healthcare choices and integration with modern systems.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and African Journals Online (AJOL), covering studies from January 2013 to the present. Keywords included "herbal medicine," "traditional medicine," "socioeconomic factors," and "Nigeria." Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies in English addressing socioeconomic and cultural factors in Nigeria. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool. Data were extracted and synthesized through narrative synthesis and thematic analysis. The protocol for this systematic mixed-methods review was registered under the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with number - CRD42024585769.

Results

Of 4,701 records, 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Socioeconomic factors like income and education significantly influenced TM use, with affordability driving preference among lower-income groups. Cultural factors, including traditional beliefs and social norms, also played a crucial role. Findings suggest that gaps in formal healthcare and cultural adherence contribute to the continued use of TM remedies.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic constraints and cultural beliefs heavily influence herbal medicine use in Nigeria. Understanding these factors can inform public health strategies, improve regulatory frameworks, and enhance the integration of traditional and modern healthcare systems.

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影响尼日利亚传统医学使用的社会经济和文化因素：一个系统的混合方法综述

尼日利亚拥有多样化的人口和丰富的文化遗产，为医疗保健提供了独特的景观。传统医学发挥着重要作用，特别是在获得现代医疗保健的机会有限的农村地区。这一系统的混合方法综述研究了社会经济和文化因素如何影响尼日利亚传统医学的使用，解决了在理解这些因素如何影响医疗保健选择和与现代系统整合方面的差距。方法系统检索PubMed、Scopus、Web of Science和African Journals Online (AJOL)，检索2013年1月至今的相关研究。关键词包括“草药”、“传统医学”、“社会经济因素”和“尼日利亚”。纳入标准侧重于针对尼日利亚社会经济和文化因素的英文同行评议研究。质量评估使用乔安娜布里格斯研究所（JBI）关键评估工具。通过叙事综合和主题分析对数据进行提取和综合。该系统混合方法评价的方案在国际前瞻性系统评价注册（PROSPERO）下注册，编号为CRD42024585769。结果在4701份文献中，有20项研究符合纳入标准。收入和教育等社会经济因素显著影响TM的使用，低收入群体的可负担性推动了TM的使用。包括传统信仰和社会规范在内的文化因素也发挥了至关重要的作用。研究结果表明，正规医疗保健和文化依从性方面的差距有助于继续使用传统医学疗法。结论社会经济约束和文化信仰严重影响了尼日利亚的草药使用。了解这些因素可以为公共卫生战略提供信息，改善监管框架，并加强传统和现代医疗保健系统的整合。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

European Journal of Integrative Medicine INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE-

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

4.00%

发文量

102

审稿时长

33 days

期刊介绍： The European Journal of Integrative Medicine (EuJIM) considers manuscripts from a wide range of complementary and integrative health care disciplines, with a particular focus on whole systems approaches, public health, self management and traditional medical systems. The journal strives to connect conventional medicine and evidence based complementary medicine. We encourage submissions reporting research with relevance for integrative clinical practice and interprofessional education. EuJIM aims to be of interest to both conventional and integrative audiences, including healthcare practitioners, researchers, health care organisations, educationalists, and all those who seek objective and critical information on integrative medicine. To achieve this aim EuJIM provides an innovative international and interdisciplinary platform linking researchers and clinicians. The journal focuses primarily on original research articles including systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, other clinical studies, qualitative, observational and epidemiological studies. In addition we welcome short reviews, opinion articles and contributions relating to health services and policy, health economics and psychology.