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Article ; Online: Traditional health practices

Amos Deogratius Mwaka / Jennifer Achan / Christopher Garimoi Orach

PLoS ONE, Vol 18, Iss 4, p e

A qualitative inquiry among traditional health practitioners in northern Uganda on becoming a healer, perceived causes of illnesses, and diagnostic approaches.

2023 Volume 0282491

Abstract: Background The practice of traditional and complementary medicine is increasing in most low-and middle-income countries especially for chronic communicable and non-communicable diseases. In this study, we aimed to understand how people gain healing power ...

Abstract	Background The practice of traditional and complementary medicine is increasing in most low-and middle-income countries especially for chronic communicable and non-communicable diseases. In this study, we aimed to understand how people gain healing power and become traditional health practitioners (THPs), perceived causes of illnesses, and how THPs diagnose illnesses. Methods This was a cross-sectional qualitative interview-based study. We used semi-structured in-depth guides to collect data from THPs identified through the Acoli cultural institutions and snowball sampling technique. The study team visited the THPs and interviewed them in their homes. Some THPs allowed the study team to visit them more than once and as well observe their healing practices and medicines. Thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Atlas.ti version 9.2 was used to support data analysis. Results Twenty two THPs aged 39-80 years were included in the study. Most of the respondents were male, and married. We identified three main themes: (i) how people gain healing power and become traditional health practitioners; (ii) perceived causes of illnesses; and (iii) how illnesses are diagnosed. The majority of respondents reported that most people become THPs through: inheriting healing power from their parents or grandparents; transfer of healing powers from senior healers; instructions during visions and dreams; and, acquiring healing power during spirits possessions. Perceived causes of illnesses included: fate and natural causes, spirits attacks, curses by elders, witchcraft, contagion and infections, poor hygiene, heredity, and malevolent actions. THPs diagnose illnesses through various approaches including consultations with spirits, observing patterns of occurrences and events, evaluation of symptoms and signs of illnesses, use of bones from animals/birds and other objects to diagnose illnesses, performing diagnostic rituals, and using biomedical laboratory testing in health facilities. Conclusion Healing knowledge and ...
Keywords	Medicine ; R ; Science ; Q
Subject code	360
Language	English
Publishing date	2023-01-01T00:00:00Z
Publisher	Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Document type	Article ; Online
Database	BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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Article ; Online: Traditional health practices: A qualitative inquiry among traditional health practitioners in northern Uganda on becoming a healer, perceived causes of illnesses, and diagnostic approaches.

Mwaka, Amos Deogratius / Achan, Jennifer / Orach, Christopher Garimoi

PloS one

2023 Volume 18, Issue 4, Page(s) e0282491

Abstract: Background: The practice of traditional and complementary medicine is increasing in most low-and middle-income countries especially for chronic communicable and non-communicable diseases. In this study, we aimed to understand how people gain healing ... ...

Abstract	Background: The practice of traditional and complementary medicine is increasing in most low-and middle-income countries especially for chronic communicable and non-communicable diseases. In this study, we aimed to understand how people gain healing power and become traditional health practitioners (THPs), perceived causes of illnesses, and how THPs diagnose illnesses. Methods: This was a cross-sectional qualitative interview-based study. We used semi-structured in-depth guides to collect data from THPs identified through the Acoli cultural institutions and snowball sampling technique. The study team visited the THPs and interviewed them in their homes. Some THPs allowed the study team to visit them more than once and as well observe their healing practices and medicines. Thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Atlas.ti version 9.2 was used to support data analysis. Results: Twenty two THPs aged 39-80 years were included in the study. Most of the respondents were male, and married. We identified three main themes: (i) how people gain healing power and become traditional health practitioners; (ii) perceived causes of illnesses; and (iii) how illnesses are diagnosed. The majority of respondents reported that most people become THPs through: inheriting healing power from their parents or grandparents; transfer of healing powers from senior healers; instructions during visions and dreams; and, acquiring healing power during spirits possessions. Perceived causes of illnesses included: fate and natural causes, spirits attacks, curses by elders, witchcraft, contagion and infections, poor hygiene, heredity, and malevolent actions. THPs diagnose illnesses through various approaches including consultations with spirits, observing patterns of occurrences and events, evaluation of symptoms and signs of illnesses, use of bones from animals/birds and other objects to diagnose illnesses, performing diagnostic rituals, and using biomedical laboratory testing in health facilities. Conclusion: Healing knowledge and powers are acquired in particular ways that can be traced to appraise authenticity of healers during registration and licensing to ensure safety of patients. Understanding perspectives of the THPS on causes of illnesses and how diagnoses are made potentially informs strategies for integration and or collaboration between the national biomedical health system and traditional health practices.
MeSH term(s)	Male ; Humans ; Female ; Traditional Medicine Practitioners ; Uganda ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Qualitative Research ; Causality ; Medicine, African Traditional
Language	English
Publishing date	2023-04-24
Publishing country	United States
Document type	Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
ZDB-ID	2267670-3
ISSN	1932-6203 ; 1932-6203
ISSN (online)	1932-6203
ISSN	1932-6203
DOI	10.1371/journal.pone.0282491
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Article ; Online: African culture, traditional medicine, and cancer care.

James, Peter Bai / Asiimwe, John Baptist / Wardle, Jon / Mwaka, Amos Deogratius / Kasilo, Ossy Muganga Julius

The Lancet. Oncology

2022 Volume 23, Issue 6, Page(s) 705–706

MeSH term(s)	Blacks ; Humans ; Medicine, Traditional ; Neoplasms/diagnosis ; Neoplasms/therapy
Language	English
Publishing date	2022-05-09
Publishing country	England
Document type	Journal Article ; Comment
ZDB-ID	2049730-1
ISSN	1474-5488 ; 1470-2045
ISSN (online)	1474-5488
ISSN	1470-2045
DOI	10.1016/S1470-2045(22)00157-7
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Article ; Online: Understanding health-seeking and adherence to treatment by patients with esophageal cancer at the Uganda cancer Institute: a qualitative study.

Esther, Nakimuli / Julius, Ssentongo / Deogratius, Mwaka Amos

BMC health services research

2021 Volume 21, Issue 1, Page(s) 159

Abstract: Background: In the low- and middle-income countries, most patients with esophageal cancer present with advanced stage disease and experience poor survival. There is inadequate understanding of the factors that influence decisions to and actual health- ... ...

Abstract	Background: In the low- and middle-income countries, most patients with esophageal cancer present with advanced stage disease and experience poor survival. There is inadequate understanding of the factors that influence decisions to and actual health-seeking, and adherence to treatment regimens among esophageal cancer patients in Uganda, yet this knowledge is critical in informing interventions to promote prompt health-seeking, diagnosis at early stage and access to appropriate cancer therapy to improve survival. We explored health-seeking experiences and adherence to treatment among esophageal cancer patients attending the Uganda Cancer Institute. Methods: We conducted an interview based qualitative study at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Participants included patients with established histology diagnosis of esophageal cancer and healthcare professionals involved in the care of these patients. We used purposive sampling approach to select study participants. In-depth and key informant interviews were used in data collection. Data collection was conducted till point of data saturation was reached. Thematic content analysis approach was used in data analyses and interpretations. Themes and subthemes were identified deductively. Results: Sixteen patients and 17 healthcare professionals were included in the study. Delayed health-seeking and poor adherence to treatment were related to (i) emotional and psychosocial factors including stress of cancer diagnosis, stigma related to esophageal cancer symptoms, and fear of loss of jobs and livelihood, (ii) limited knowledge and recognition of esophageal cancer symptoms by both patients and primary healthcare professionals, and (iii) limited access to specialized cancer care, mainly because of long distance to the facility and associated high transport cost. Patients were generally enthused with patient - provider relationships at the UCI. While inadequate communication and some degree of incivility were reported, majority of patients thought the healthcare professionals were empathetic and supportive. Conclusion: Health system and individual patient factors influence health-seeking for symptoms of esophageal cancer and adherence to treatment schedule for the disease. Interventions to improve access to and acceptability of esophageal cancer services, as well as increase public awareness of esophageal cancer risk factors and symptoms could lead to earlier diagnosis and potentially better survival from the disease in Uganda.
MeSH term(s)	Esophageal Neoplasms/diagnosis ; Esophageal Neoplasms/therapy ; Health Personnel ; Humans ; Professional-Patient Relations ; Qualitative Research ; Uganda/epidemiology
Language	English
Publishing date	2021-02-18
Publishing country	England
Document type	Journal Article
ISSN	1472-6963
ISSN (online)	1472-6963
DOI	10.1186/s12913-021-06163-3
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Article ; Online: Understanding health-seeking and adherence to treatment by patients with esophageal cancer at the Uganda cancer Institute

Nakimuli Esther / Ssentongo Julius / Mwaka Amos Deogratius

BMC Health Services Research, Vol 21, Iss 1, Pp 1-

a qualitative study

2021 Volume 14

Abstract: Abstract Background In the low- and middle-income countries, most patients with esophageal cancer present with advanced stage disease and experience poor survival. There is inadequate understanding of the factors that influence decisions to and actual ... ...

Abstract	Abstract Background In the low- and middle-income countries, most patients with esophageal cancer present with advanced stage disease and experience poor survival. There is inadequate understanding of the factors that influence decisions to and actual health-seeking, and adherence to treatment regimens among esophageal cancer patients in Uganda, yet this knowledge is critical in informing interventions to promote prompt health-seeking, diagnosis at early stage and access to appropriate cancer therapy to improve survival. We explored health-seeking experiences and adherence to treatment among esophageal cancer patients attending the Uganda Cancer Institute. Methods We conducted an interview based qualitative study at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Participants included patients with established histology diagnosis of esophageal cancer and healthcare professionals involved in the care of these patients. We used purposive sampling approach to select study participants. In-depth and key informant interviews were used in data collection. Data collection was conducted till point of data saturation was reached. Thematic content analysis approach was used in data analyses and interpretations. Themes and subthemes were identified deductively. Results Sixteen patients and 17 healthcare professionals were included in the study. Delayed health-seeking and poor adherence to treatment were related to (i) emotional and psychosocial factors including stress of cancer diagnosis, stigma related to esophageal cancer symptoms, and fear of loss of jobs and livelihood, (ii) limited knowledge and recognition of esophageal cancer symptoms by both patients and primary healthcare professionals, and (iii) limited access to specialized cancer care, mainly because of long distance to the facility and associated high transport cost. Patients were generally enthused with patient – provider relationships at the UCI. While inadequate communication and some degree of incivility were reported, majority of patients thought the healthcare ...
Keywords	Esophageal cancer ; Health-seeking ; Adherence to treatment ; Access to care ; Uganda ; Public aspects of medicine ; RA1-1270
Subject code	610
Language	English
Publishing date	2021-02-01T00:00:00Z
Publisher	BMC
Document type	Article ; Online
Database	BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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Article ; Online: Diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals among patients with cervical cancer attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute: a cross-sectional study.

Lacika, Jackie Lalam / Wabinga, Henry / Kagaayi, Joseph / Opito, Ronald / Orach, Christopher Garimoi / Mwaka, Amos Deogratius

BMC women's health

2023 Volume 23, Issue 1, Page(s) 633

Abstract: Background: Majority of patients with cervical cancer in the low- and middle-income countries experience long diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals. This study sought to determine the factors associated with the diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals ... ...

Abstract	Background: Majority of patients with cervical cancer in the low- and middle-income countries experience long diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals. This study sought to determine the factors associated with the diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals among patients with cervical cancer. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) during October 2019 to January 2020. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with histological diagnosis of cervical cancer were consecutively sampled. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and a data abstraction form. Diagnostic intervals, defined as the time between first visit of a patient to a primary healthcare provider to time of getting confirmed diagnosis, of ≤ 3 months was defined as early & >3 months as late. Pre-treatment intervals, which is the time from histological diagnosis to starting cancer chemo-radiotherapy of ≤ 1 month was defined as early and > 1 month as late. Data were analysed using STATA version 14.0. We used modified Poisson regression models with robust variance to determine socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with the intervals. Results: The mean age of the participants was 50.0 ± 11.7 years. The median diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals were 3.1 (IQR: 1.4-8.2) months and 2.4 (IQR: 1.2-4.1) months respectively. Half of the participants, 49.6% (200/403) were diagnosed early; one in 5 patients, 20.1% (81/403) promptly (within one month) initiated cancer chemo-radiotherapy. Participants more likely to be diagnosed early included those referred from district hospitals (level 5) (aPR = 2.29; 95%CI: 1.60-3.26) and with squamous cell carcinomas (aPR = 1.55; 95%CI: 1.07-2.23). Participants more likely to be diagnosed late included those who first discussed their symptoms with relatives, (aPR = 0.77; 95%CI: (0.60-0.98), had > 2 pre-referral visits (aPR = 0.75; 95%CI (0.61-0.92), and had advanced stage (stages 3 or 4) (aPR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.55-0.85). Participants more likely to initiate cancer chemo-radiotherapy early included older patients (≥ 60 years) (aPR = 2.44; 95%CI: 1.18-5.03). Patients likely to start treatment late were those who had ≥2 pre-referral visits (aPR = 0.63; 95%CI: 0.41-0.98) and those that took 3 - 6 months with symptoms before seeking healthcare (aPR = 0.52;95%CI: 0.29 - 0.95). Conclusion: Interventions to promote prompt health-seeking and early diagnosis of cervical cancer need to target primary healthcare facilities and aim to enhance capacity of primary healthcare professionals to promptly initiate diagnostic investigations. Patients aged < 60 years require targeted interventions to promote prompt initiation of chemo-radiation therapy.
MeSH term(s)	Female ; Humans ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/therapy ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Uganda ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Referral and Consultation
Language	English
Publishing date	2023-11-27
Publishing country	England
Document type	Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
ZDB-ID	2050444-5
ISSN	1472-6874 ; 1472-6874
ISSN (online)	1472-6874
ISSN	1472-6874
DOI	10.1186/s12905-023-02785-3
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Article ; Online: Factors associated with diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals among breast cancer patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute: A cross-sectional study.

Achan, Jennifer / Kasujja, Francis Xavier / Opito, Ronald / Wabinga, Henry / Orach, Christopher Garimoi / Mwaka, Amos Deogratius

Cancer medicine

2023 Volume 12, Issue 19, Page(s) 19701–19713

Abstract: Background: Most breast cancer (BC) patients in Uganda are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease and experience poor outcomes. This study examined the diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals and factors associated with these intervals among BC patients ... ...

Abstract	Background: Most breast cancer (BC) patients in Uganda are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease and experience poor outcomes. This study examined the diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals and factors associated with these intervals among BC patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Methods: This was a cross-sectional, facility-based study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire administered by trained research assistants and analyzed using STATA version 14.0. Modified Poisson regressions models were used to determine the strength of associations between independent variables and diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals. Results: The mean age (±SD) of the 401 participants was 47.1 ± 11.7 years. Four in 10 participants had stage III (41.9%; n = 168) and over a third (34.7%; n = 140) stage IV cancers. The median interval from first consultation to diagnosis, i.e. diagnostic interval (DI) was 5.6 months (IQR: 1.5-17.0), while the median interval from histological diagnosis to start of chemotherapy, i.e. pre-treatment interval (PTI) was 1.7 months (IQR: 0.7-4.5). Majority (85%, n = 341) of participants were diagnosed at ≥3 months from first consultation with clinicians. Participants with tertiary education and those who lived within 100-199 km from the UCI were about four times and twice more likely to be diagnosed early (DI <3 months from first consultation) ([aPR = 3.88; 95% CI: 1.15-13.0] and [aPR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.06-4.55]), respectively. About half (48.3%; n = 176) of participants started chemotherapy within 1 month of cancer diagnosis. Patients who lived more than 300 km from the UCI were less likely to start chemotherapy within 1 month of histology diagnosis of cancer. [Correction added on October 17, 2023 after first online publication. The term ', i.e.' has been included in the results section in this version.] CONCLUSION: Majority of breast cancer patients are diagnosed late and in advanced stages. There is need to promote all efforts toward timely diagnosis when cancers are still in early stages by identifying factors responsible for prolonged diagnostic intervals among breast cancer patients.
MeSH term(s)	Humans ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis ; Breast Neoplasms/therapy ; Breast Neoplasms/pathology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Uganda/epidemiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Educational Status
Language	English
Publishing date	2023-10-03
Publishing country	United States
Document type	Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
ZDB-ID	2659751-2
ISSN	2045-7634 ; 2045-7634
ISSN (online)	2045-7634
ISSN	2045-7634
DOI	10.1002/cam4.6618
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Article ; Online: From their own perspectives

Amos Deogratius Mwaka / Jennifer Achan / Winnie Adoch / Henry Wabinga

BMC Family Practice, Vol 22, Iss 1, Pp 1-

a qualitative study exploring the perceptions of traditional health practitioners in northern Uganda regarding cancers, their causes and treatments

2021 Volume 14

Abstract: Abstract Background Many cancer patients in the low- and middle-income countries seek care with traditional health practitioners (THPs) and use traditional and complementary medicines (T&CMs) for treatment of cancers. Little is known about the ... ...

Abstract	Abstract Background Many cancer patients in the low- and middle-income countries seek care with traditional health practitioners (THPs) and use traditional and complementary medicines (T&CMs) for treatment of cancers. Little is known about the perceptions and influence of THPs on cancer patients’ help-seeking and treatment decisions. We aimed to explore perceptions of THPs regarding cancers, cancer causes, and preferred treatments for cancers, in order to identify aspects that can inform interventions to improve cancer outcomes in Uganda. Methods We conducted this ethnographic study in northern Uganda. In-depth interviews were conducted at the respondents’ homes in quiet, open places, and in the absence of none- respondents. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim within a week of the interviews. Thematic qualitative analysis approaches were used to identify themes and subthemes. Results We included 21 respondents in the study; most were male (16/21), married, with median age of 59 years (range 39 – 80). Most respondents perceived cancer as a new and challenging disease, while one respondent thought of cancer as a result of an imbalance within the body. Most confessed unawareness of the causes of cancers, but believed that cancer could result from the interplay of a number of factors including poor diets, ingestions of chemical agents, and assaults by the spirits of the dead. Some reported that cancers (especially of women’s genital tracts) were sexually transmitted, or caused by accumulation of dirt. Only few healers treated cancers. Most respondents reported that they referred cancer patients to biomedical facilities, sometimes after they have first used their medicines. Most respondents hoped that collaborative research with scientists could help them identify potent T&CMs that cure cancers. Conclusion Traditional health practitioners require training on cancer causes, symptoms and signs, and the necessity for prompt initiation of effective treatments in order to improve cancer outcomes. The predisposition of the majority of respondents to refer cancer patients to biomedical services sets a fertile ground for meaningful cooperation between biomedical and traditional health practices. The national health system in the low- and middle-income countries could formally recognize traditional health practices as a component of the national healthcare system, and encourage the two to practice side by side.
Keywords	Traditional medicine ; Complementary medicine ; Therapy ; Traditional health practitioners ; Uganda ; Cancer ; Medicine (General) ; R5-920
Subject code	027
Language	English
Publishing date	2021-07-01T00:00:00Z
Publisher	BMC
Document type	Article ; Online
Database	BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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Article: Traditional and Complementary Medicine Use Among Adult Cancer Patients Undergoing Conventional Treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review on the Use, Safety and Risks.

Mwaka, Amos Deogratius / Abbo, Catherine / Kinengyere, Alison Annet

Cancer management and research

2020 Volume 12, Page(s) 3699–3712

Abstract: Background: Use of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is very common among patients in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there are limited data on concurrent use of T&CM with conventional cancer therapies. In this scoping review, we sought ... ...

Abstract	Background: Use of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is very common among patients in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there are limited data on concurrent use of T&CM with conventional cancer therapies. In this scoping review, we sought to describe the (i) prevalence of use, (ii) types of medicine, (iii) reasons for taking T&CM, (iv) current knowledge on safety and risks, (v) characteristics of adult cancer patients who use T&CM, and (vi) perceived treatment outcomes among cancer patients undergoing conventional cancer treatment in SSA. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search for articles published in the English language in three scientific databases (PubMed, Embase and Web of Science). We used a scoping review approach to map relevant literature on T&CM use among cancer patients undergoing conventional cancer treatments. We assessed 96 articles based on titles and abstracts, and 23 articles based on full text. Twelve articles fulfilled preset eligibility criteria. Results: More than half of the included articles were from only two countries in SSA: Nigeria and Uganda. Median prevalence of use of T&CM was 60.0% (range: 14.1-79.0%). Median percent disclosure of use of T&CM to attending healthcare professionals was low at 32% (range: 15.3-85.7%). The most common reasons for non-disclosure were: the doctor did not ask, the doctor would rebuke them for using T&CM, and the doctors do not know much about T&CM and so there is no need to share the issue of use with them. T&CM used by cancer patients included herbs, healing prayers and massage. Reported reasons for use of T&CM in 8 of 12 articles included the wish to get rid of cancer symptoms, especially pain, cure cancer, improve physical and psychological well-being, treat toxicity of conventional cancer therapies and improve immunity. There were limited data on safety and risk profiles of T&CM among cancer patients in SSA. Conclusion: Use of traditional and complementary medicines is common among cancer patients undergoing conventional cancer treatments. Healthcare professionals caring for cancer patients ought to inquire and communicate effectively regarding the use of T&CM in order to minimize the risks of side effects from concurrent use of T&CM and biomedicines.
Language	English
Publishing date	2020-05-20
Publishing country	New Zealand
Document type	Journal Article ; Review
ZDB-ID	2508013-1
ISSN	1179-1322
ISSN	1179-1322
DOI	10.2147/CMAR.S251975
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Article ; Online: From their own perspectives: a qualitative study exploring the perceptions of traditional health practitioners in northern Uganda regarding cancers, their causes and treatments.

Mwaka, Amos Deogratius / Achan, Jennifer / Adoch, Winnie / Wabinga, Henry

BMC family practice

2021 Volume 22, Issue 1, Page(s) 155

Abstract: Background: Many cancer patients in the low- and middle-income countries seek care with traditional health practitioners (THPs) and use traditional and complementary medicines (T&CMs) for treatment of cancers. Little is known about the perceptions and ... ...

Abstract	Background: Many cancer patients in the low- and middle-income countries seek care with traditional health practitioners (THPs) and use traditional and complementary medicines (T&CMs) for treatment of cancers. Little is known about the perceptions and influence of THPs on cancer patients' help-seeking and treatment decisions. We aimed to explore perceptions of THPs regarding cancers, cancer causes, and preferred treatments for cancers, in order to identify aspects that can inform interventions to improve cancer outcomes in Uganda. Methods: We conducted this ethnographic study in northern Uganda. In-depth interviews were conducted at the respondents' homes in quiet, open places, and in the absence of none- respondents. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim within a week of the interviews. Thematic qualitative analysis approaches were used to identify themes and subthemes. Results: We included 21 respondents in the study; most were male (16/21), married, with median age of 59 years (range 39 - 80). Most respondents perceived cancer as a new and challenging disease, while one respondent thought of cancer as a result of an imbalance within the body. Most confessed unawareness of the causes of cancers, but believed that cancer could result from the interplay of a number of factors including poor diets, ingestions of chemical agents, and assaults by the spirits of the dead. Some reported that cancers (especially of women's genital tracts) were sexually transmitted, or caused by accumulation of dirt. Only few healers treated cancers. Most respondents reported that they referred cancer patients to biomedical facilities, sometimes after they have first used their medicines. Most respondents hoped that collaborative research with scientists could help them identify potent T&CMs that cure cancers. Conclusion: Traditional health practitioners require training on cancer causes, symptoms and signs, and the necessity for prompt initiation of effective treatments in order to improve cancer outcomes. The predisposition of the majority of respondents to refer cancer patients to biomedical services sets a fertile ground for meaningful cooperation between biomedical and traditional health practices. The national health system in the low- and middle-income countries could formally recognize traditional health practices as a component of the national healthcare system, and encourage the two to practice side by side.
MeSH term(s)	Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Delivery of Health Care ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms/therapy ; Perception ; Qualitative Research ; Uganda
Language	English
Publishing date	2021-07-19
Publishing country	England
Document type	Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
ISSN	1471-2296
ISSN (online)	1471-2296
DOI	10.1186/s12875-021-01505-w
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