ASSESSMENT ON THE COMPLEMENTARY ADMINISTRATION OF HERBAL AND CONVENTIONAL MEDICINES IN JOS SOUTH LGA OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Authors

  • Badung Vivian Dalyop
  • Onu, F.O. (Prof)
  • Ogidi, A.W. (PhD)

Keywords:

Complementary, Conventional Medicines, Herbal Medicines, Interaction, Jos-South

Abstract

In spite the development of more researched and formulated orthodox medicines, herbal medicines
continue to be widely patronized by persons across the world with some patronages
complementarily using both forms, oblivious of the harmful effects that may occur. Hence, this
research assesses the complementary administration of herbal and conventional medicines in Jos
South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. A community based cross-sectional
research design was adopted. Primary data were obtained using both quantitative and qualitative
methods. In the survey, 375 questionnaires were distributed, of which 362 were retrieved, among
the sample size using multi-stage sampling techniques of wards, settlements, households, and
individuals. Also, qualitative data were collected using in-depth interview from community leaders,
ward heads, and few people within the studied communities. Descriptive and inferential statistics
of the data were carried out using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) Windows version
20.0. Results from the study show that the rate of herbal consumption in Jos South is very high. It
also showed that, most people consume herbal medicines to complement orthodox medicine for
faster results when they are dissatisfied with orthodox mode of treatment. The study also reveal
that complementary use of herbal and conventional drugs can lead to drugs-herbs interaction
which can have negative effect on the body system. Thus, the study recommends health
professionals to always enquire the use of herbal medicine from their patients in order to give
adequate administration of drugs, and be able to monitor the kinds of herbs consumed by patients
in order to avoid drugs interaction in the body. Also, people should be sensitized on issues of
complementary use of herbal and conventional medicines

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Published

2021-10-30

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Articles