PREVALENCE OF UTILIZATION OF NATIVE MEDICINE AMONG PRIMARY-CARE CONSUMERS

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of u tilization of native medicine and the reasons for using it. Methods: A cross-sectional study of all persons attending the seven primary heal th care centers in Arar city (i.e. consumers) was conducted. A 20% sys tematic random sample of consumers was selected from each center givin g a total sample of 2320. Consumers were interviewed by trained physic ians using a structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 554 (23.9%) consumers reported use of any type of native medicine during the last six months. Herbs were the most common type of native medicine used ( about 29 types were used). Cautery and the consultation of traditional bone setters were still being used. Native medicine was mainly used f or treating gastrointestinal diseases (5.8%), for failure of modern me dicine to treat disease (5.0%) and for treating body aches, fatigabili ty and joint pains (4.9%). Conclusion: The study showed a high prevale nce of use of native medicine by primary health care consumers in Arar area. Some forms of harmful native medicines were still being used. C ommunity health education about benefits and harmful effects of native medicine is needed. Continuing medical education for health team memb ers at the primary health care level is recommended.