Perception of the knowledge of traditional and herbal medicine among students in the College of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

The practice of traditional medicine in Nigeria is widely acceptable and contributes significantly to healthcare delivery, yet, integration and/or corecognition with orthodox medicine is still faced with a lot of challenges. One of the most recommended ways of addressing these challenges include enlightenment on the practice of traditional medicine and opportunities available for the general populace. This study presents a survey of the perception of the knowledge of traditional and herbal medicine among medical and nursing students in the College of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. A total of 159 students were selected for the survey from 200 to 500 level of medical students and nursing students of the College of medicine of the University using a semi structured questionnaire and informal conversation on the respondents. A total of 98 medical students and 61 nursing students consisting of 39% male and 61% female. Ninety-two percent of the respondents have had contact with traditional and herbal medicine although level of interest is 39% low, 49% medium and just 12% high. Majority of the respondents (87%) prefer modern medicine and only 8% prefer herbal medicine. 60% of the respondents will like to take a course in traditional/herbal medicine, but only 9% will actually like to practice traditional medicine. Although majority of the respondents have no knowledge of traditional/herbal medicine, but they are willing to understand the practice. There is therefore need for the incorporation of traditional and herbal medicine into college of medicine curriculum.

Keywords: Traditional and herbal medicine, College of medicine, University of Ilorin, Curriculum