Analyzing traditional medical practitioners’ information-seeking behaviour using Taylor’s information-use environment model

Abstract

This survey-based study examined the information-seeking behaviour of traditional medical practitioners using Taylor’s information use model. Respondents comprised all 160 traditional medical practitioners that treat sickle cell anaemia. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire. Frequency and percentage distributions were employed for data analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Analysis revealed that traditional medical practice in the study area was male dominated and the majority of the traditional medical practitioners seek information primarily from informal sources, particularly from colleagues within the same professional association. Knowledge of traditional medical practice was revealed to be orally preserved. The low level of education of the traditional medical practitioners denied them access to knowledge that could improve and make their services in the treatment/management of sickle cell anaemia more relevant to the health needs of Nigerian society. Traditional medical practitioners have some good advice for the holistic care of sickle cell anaemia but their information and communication system is very dependent on ‘what works, in some situations’ moving upwards to the experts, and the associations, who then pass this on to other practitioners who may have specific queries. If the associations could actively collect information about the practices of their members, and subject them to some open debate, then good practice might drive out less effective practices faster — and the associations would be in a better situation and have a basis to ‘accredit’ and help train junior traditional medical practitioners. There is therefore a need to bring the traditional medical practitioners into the mainstream by providing them with proper training, facilities and back-up for referral.