Knowledge and Attitude of Healthcare Workers Towards Traditional Bone Setters In Benue State

Abstract

Introduction: Traditional bone setting (TBS) is an art that is still flourishing to the detriment of patients. Some healthcare workers are aiding the practice, thus calling for reasons. This study ascertained the opinions of healthcare workers on TBS and the contention of incorporation into Modern Orthopaedic Services (MOS).
Method: A self-explicit questionnaire with sociodemography and impressions of healthcare workers on TBS was administered across the various health institutions in a rural and an urban community of Benue State.
Result: Three-hundred healthcare workers responded with 266 (88.7%) and 34 (11.3%) from urban and rural communities respectively. In all, 167 (55.6%) had not heard of any form of TBS advertisement. Advertisement by orthodox practitioners was never allowed in the last one year while majority 190 (63.3%) were not supporting TBS advertisement. However, 144 (48.1%) support incorporation into MOS. TBS was believed to have more patronage (70.3%) than MOS, mainly because it was cheaper. Significantly, 147(49.0%) disapproved TBS practice, 112 (37.3%) approved and 41 (13.7%) not sure. Majority 183 (61.0%) declined TBS treatment in case of any fracture. Educational status has no correlation with approval and patronage of TBS. Acceptance of TBS and opinion on incorporation into MOS were based on the outcome of their relations who had patronized TBS.
Conclusion: As TBS has come to stay, strict ethical monitoring should be enforced. Both practices should be allowed to advertise (their services). Incorporation of TBS into MOS, if approved, should be steered by moral philosophy from the medical council. Government needs to adequately equip all secondary healthcare centres with basic facilities for effective initial management of patients with musculoskeletal lesions.

Keywords: Traditional Bone Setters. Healthcare Workers. Knowledge, Attitude