Traditional Medicine Utilization and Determinants in the Rural Area of Manang, Nepal

Abstract

Background: Traditional medicine (TM) has been an integral part of the rural health care system of Nepal. Despite its widespread use, there exists a notable gap in research on TM utilization and the predictive factors influencing it in rural settings. This study aimed to investigate the use of TM and associated factors in the rural area of Manang, Nepal.
Methods: A population-based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 103 individuals from October 2021 to February 2022. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as a research tool. Proportionate and simple random sampling were employed to select the study participants. A logistic regression model was used to assess the determinants of TM utilization among the participants.
Results: Overall, 88 out of 103 (85.4%) participants were found to be utilizing traditional medicine. The use of TM was predicted by low monthly income (OR: 4.00, 95% CI: 1.049–15.260, p=0.042) and perceived health status (OR: 8.40, 95% CI: 0.015–0.947, p=0.044). Herbal medicine (68.1%), traditional healers (59.1%), and homeopathic medicine (48.9%) were the primary TM practices among the study populations.
Conclusions: People with low income often make TM a more affordable option due to its use of local, inexpensive materials, whereas people who see themselves as healthy or have had a positive experience with TM may prefer it for its cultural and personal value.
Keywords: healing practices; healthcare system; herbal plants; homeopathy; traditional medicine.