Prepared herbal remedy use among artisans in Nsukka (Nigeria) motor-mechanic village

Abstract

An indeterminate amount of alcohol is concealed in prepared herbal remedies. This deception requires focused and concerted efforts to address the problem. The present study used a mixed-method design to evaluate two objectives. The first objective was to determine the prevalence of use of some common variants of prepared herbal remedies among artisans in Nsukka motor-mechanic village. The second objective was to determine why artisans use herbal medicines. Data for this study were conducted using unobtrusive observation, interviews, and a structured questionnaire. Participants for study 1 (n = 94) were sampled from about 205 artisans in Nsukka motor-mechanic village. Descriptive statistics showed that there was high prevalence of use of prepared herbal remedies among the sample. Twelve (12) participants (study 2; participants were not part of the 94 in study 1) were interviewed at different spots in the motor-mechanic village. Qualitative data, which were analyzed by relating outstanding points of   response to the objectives of the study showed craving for alcohol, belief in the efficacy of herbal remedies, poverty, and poor treatment of artisans by health workers as some of the reasons that sustain the use of prepared herbal remedies among the sample.

Keywords: herbal remedies, alcohol, artisans, Nsukka