Abstract
Background: The use of traditional eye health practices is wide spread in Africa (Uganda inclusive), Asia
and Latin America. Traditional medicine in Africa remains largely an unexplored area, which could be
exploited positively in the provision of primary eye care.
Objective: To determine the use of traditional eye health practices in Atyak sub-county, Nebbi district.
It specifically determined the prevalence of use of traditional eye health practices, the reasons why people
use them and the remedies used.
Materials and methods: Quantitative and qualitative studies were conducted in a rural setting in Atyak subcounty,
Nebbi district in August and September 2002. In the quantitative study, 824 heads of households
from 42 villages selected by multistage cluster sampling method were orally interviewed and their
responses recorded onto pre-tested questionnaires. The data was entered and analyzed using EPIINFO
version 6.02. In the qualitative study, a non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select key
informants and focus group discussions. Fourteen traditional healers and 19 other key informants were
interviewed. Six focus group discussions were held to collect information from the community. Validity
was increased by triangulation of results from the different sources.
Results: There was wide spread use of traditional eye medicine in Atyak sub-county. It was established that
44.2% of the interviewed heads of households used some form of traditional eye health practices. False
beliefs about causation and cure of eye diseases predisposed the community to use of potentially harmful
eye practices. Other reasons for use of traditional medication were their ready availability, cheapness,
influence of social groups, trust and confidence in traditional healers and presumed failure of modern
medicine to cure eye diseases. The main stay of traditional form of remedy used was plant extracts. Other
forms used were rituals, human saliva, breast milk, soil, steam baths, surgery and animal products.
Conclusions: A significant proportion of the population in Atyak sub-county used traditional eye medicine.
While myths and misconceptions about causation and cure of eye diseases played a major role in the choice
of the method of treatment used, the level of education attained seemed not to significantly influence the
choice. Medicinal herbs were the main source of traditional medicine used. Most traditional remedies used
were potentially harmful to the eye and vision.
References
Bastein JW. Collaboration of doctors and nurses with
etho medical practitioners. World Health Forum.
;15:133.
Kalinga S. Nelect at traditional medicine a grave mistake.
Third world network features/interpress services
/2001.
Chana HS. Integration of traditional healers into primary
eye care. Community Eye Health.1997; 10(21):3
Klaus V, Adala C. Traditional herbal eye medicine in
Kenya – World Health Forum 1994; 15: 138-141.
Bimal P. Traditional healers as eye team members in
Nepal. Community Eye Health. 1997; 10(21): 45.
Foster A. Introduction to ethono medicine: traditional
medicine and health coverage. World Health Organization
Publication. 1983:17.
Chana HS, Schwab L, Fosta A. With an eye to good
practice. World Health Forum. 1994; 15: 144-146.
Courtright P. Lewallen S. Traditional healers in
prevention of blindness. Community Eye Health.
; 10(21): 1.
Tessema SS. Traditional medicine: Past growth and
future development in East Africa. East Afr. Med. J.
; 57 (1): 48-53.
Gordon JJ, Darwin C, Minassian J. Traditional
medicine. Epidemilogy of eye disease 2nd Ed.
; 155-158.
Essential services for rehabilitative health care for
persons with disabilities in the district. Document of
the Ministry o Health of Uganda; August 1999.
Nebbi District Local Government budget document
/2001.
Okoro Health Sub district three quarterly activity
report; July 1999-March 2000.
Mselle, J. Traditional medicine and eye injuries. Acta-
Tropical. 1998;.30:185-192.
Bennet S, Words T, Liyange WM, Smith D. Simplified
general methods for cluster sample surveys in developing
countries. Quart .1991;44:98-106.
Sira B. Indigenous medicine in the eye. Malawi Med
Bull. 1969; 3:169-170.
Mulwanyi F. The role traditional medicine plays in
eye care in Masaka District (un published data).
Goyal M, Hogwel M. Couching and cataract
extraction, a clinical based study in Northern
Nigeria. Comm Eye Hlth. 1997; 10(21):6-7.
Yester, W, Foster, A, Traditional herbal eye medicine
and corneal ulcerations: J. Trop Med Hyg. 1994; 78:
-812.
Ademugewun, Z.A. The challenge of co-existence of
orthodox and traditional medicine . East Afr Med J.
;53(1):21-32.
Good, C.M. and Kimani, V.N. Peri-urban traditional
medicine: A Nairobi case study. East Afr Med J.
;57(5):301-306