Why do people prefer traditional bonesetters in Sudan

Background: In Sudan as in other developing nations, traditional bonesetters play a significant role in primary fracture care. There is widespread belief in our society that TBS are better at fracture treatment than orthodox practitioners. Significant numbers of patients with fractures present first to the traditional bonesetters before coming to the hospital and therefore this mode of care delivery cannot be overlooked in Sudan. Objectives: A prospective study designed to determine the reasons of why a considerable number of people prefer to go to the traditional bonesetters in Sudan. Patients and methods: This prospective two stages study was carried out in two different stages, 1st stage in 2006 targeted general population, and the 2nd stage in the period from May 2009 to September 2009 targeted traditional bonesetters and their patients. In the 1st stage of the study we distributed a predesigned questionnaire to general population, while in the 2nd stage of the study we visited different traditional bonesetter in order to interview them and their visitors and completing the early prepared Performa. We excluded the too elderly patients and children who have no decisions to choose TBS. Results: In the 1st stage of study the participants were 199 of them, 192 participants responded well to the questionnaire. The reasons why they went to traditional bonesetters were; in 71 participants (37%) was their beliefs, in 27 (14.06%) was due to the low cost, and in 27 (14.06%) was due to fear of plaster. In the 2nd stage of the study 276 participants fulfilled the criteria of the research. The reason why they went to traditional bonesetters; in 63 candidates (22.8%) was their beliefs (P value Conclusion: Despite an adequate number of physicians practising in the region, traditional bonesetters continue to be consulted. Study showed that a belief is the most leading cause of consulting traditional bonesetters, other causes including fear of plaster or amputation and less cost. We recommend that the efficacy of their treatments have to be further assessed. Keywords: Traditional bonesetter (TBS); Beliefs, medical services.

[1]  I. Ikpeme,et al.  Patients' perception of traditional bone setting in Calabar , 2007 .

[2]  A. Udosen,et al.  Role of Traditional Bone Setters in Africa: Experience in Calabar,Nigeria , 2007 .

[3]  J. Ogunlusi,et al.  Why Patients Patronize Traditional Bone Setters , 2006 .

[4]  J. Onuminya.  Performance of a trained traditional bonesetter in primary fracture care. , 2006, South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde.

[5]  A. Udosen,et al.  Generalized tetanus complicating lower limb fractures managed by traditional bone healers , 2005, Tropical doctor.

[6]  L. Heinzerling.  Attitudes of traditional healers towards Western medicine in rural Cameroon , 2005, Tropical doctor.

[7]  B. Solagberu.  Long bone fractures treated by traditional bonesetters: a study of patients' behaviour , 2005, Tropical doctor.

[8]  J. Onuminya.  The role of the traditional bonesetter in primary fracture care in Nigeria. , 2004, South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde.

[9]  L. Thanni,et al.  Pattern And Outcome Of Treatment Of Musculoskeletal Conditions By Traditional Bonesetters In Southwest Nigeria , 2004 .

[10]  C. Nkele.  Pattern Of Occurrence, Management And Prevention Of Trauma In Nigerian Oil Industry , 2004 .

[11]  B. Omololu,et al.  The complications seen from the treatment by traditional bonesetters. , 2004, West African journal of medicine.

[12]  R. Shah,et al.  Improving primary orthopaedic and trauma care in Nepal. , 2003, Education for health.

[13]  D. Olaolorun,et al.  Complications of fracture treatment by traditional bonesetters in southwest Nigeria. , 2001, Family practice.

[14]  S. Bickler,et al.  Bone setter's gangrene. , 2000, Journal of pediatric surgery.

[15]  L. Thanni.  Factors influencing patronage of traditional bone setters. , 2000, West African journal of medicine.

[16]  J. Onuminya,et al.  Major Amputations in Nigeria: A Plea to Educate Traditional Bone Setters , 2000, Tropical doctor.

[17]  W. Hoff,et al.  Traditional Health Practitioners as Primary Health Care Workers , 1997, Tropical doctor.

[18]  Wilson Jn.  Iatrogenic gangrene in the Third World. , 1991 .

[19]  R. Ofiaeli.  Complications of Methods of Fracture Treatment used by Traditional Healers: A Report of Three Cases Necessitating Amputation at Ihiala, Nigeria , 1991, Tropical doctor.

[20]  D. Oyebola.  Yoruba traditional bonesetters: the practice of orthopaedics in a primitive setting in Nigeria. , 1980, The Journal of trauma.

[21]  W. Yinusa,et al.  Complications of treatment of musculoskeletal injuries by bone setters. , 2009, West African journal of medicine.

[22]  A. Katchy,et al.  Limb gangrene following treatment of limb injury by traditional bone setter (Tbs): a report of 15 consecutive cases. , 2005, The Nigerian postgraduate medical journal.

[23]  M. Eshete.  The prevention of traditional bone setter's gangrene. , 2005, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume.

[24]  T. Nottidge,et al.  Traditional bonesetters in south western Nigeria--friends or foes? , 2004, West African journal of medicine.

[25]  H. N. Oguachuba.  Mismanagement of elbow joint fractures and dislocations by traditional bone setters in Plateau State, Nigeria. , 1986, Tropical and geographical medicine.