Evaluation on the patronage of Traditional Bone Setting practices in Nigeria: A communitybased appraisal in Kano state

Abstract

The study aimed at evaluating the patronage of traditional bone-setters‘ (TBSs) practices among clients with frac ture/trauma in Kano, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, with a sample of 120 community respondents drawn from four of the 44 metropolitan local government areas of the state using accidental sampling procedure. A researcher based Questionnaire, and Focus Group Discussion Checklist Guide, were developed, validated and administered accord ingly. Frequency tables and percentages were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed majority of the respondents (52, 43.3%), responded with a combination of reasons, ranging from; ‗they are easily accessible, cheap, respect clients and their culture, while only and 4 respondents (3.3%) responded on fear for amputation respectively. This is not withstanding the multiple complications usually experienced by the clients from TBSs‘ interventions resulting to dependency, and its subsequent physical, economic, socio-psychological trauma on the lives of the victims among others. A need for the estab lishment of orthodox Neuromuscular-skeletal healthcare facilities that is accessible, cheap and patient centered should be considered. Furthermore, synergy between the orthodox practitioners and the TBSs, and public awareness creation among the members of the community on the importance of positive health seeking behaviour using all the available means and resources, becomes imperative with a view to enlightening the communities against undesirable consequences following TBSs‘ interventions. This can be done through, series of engagements with stakeholders, symposium/workshops, and showing of mutual respect for one another among the orthodox practitioners and the TBSs among others.