Worldviews on erectile dysfunction: Perspectives in knowledge systems and development

Abstract

In a bid to achieve sustainable development, there is a need for a connection and integration of knowledge system and western knowledge (medicine). More specifically is in the area of health care for sustainable development. In a bid to achieve sustainable development in the health care system, there is a need for deeper understanding of diseases in terms of its worldview by key actors especially in indigenous settings based on peoples’ contextual knowledge. It is against this background that erectile dysfunction, known as Idakole in Yoruba indigenous knowledge systems was examined. This article investigates the knowledge gap relative to worldviews of erectile dysfunction in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. The interpretation of Idakole in western medicine is erectile dysfunction. The research that informed this article was conducted in 2018 and it adopted quantitative methodology. Very useful findings were made with implications for policy and scholarship.

Keywords: Sustainable development, African knowledge system, Idakole, erectile dysfunction