Traditional healers' role in the detection of active tuberculosis cases in a pastoralist community in Ethiopia: a pilot interventional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pastoralists rely on traditional healers (THs) for general health problems. However, some studies indicate that such practices result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) cases. This study aims to assess the role of traditional healers in the detection and referral of active TB cases in a pastoralist community.

Methods

We identified 22 traditional healers from 7 villages of Kereyu pastoralist community in the Fentale district in Ethiopia in January 2015. We trained these THs in identifying presumptive TB symptoms and early referral to the nearby healthcare facilities. The training was held during a 1 week period that included a visit to their villages and follow-up. A 1 day meeting was held with the traditional healers, the district TB car

SUBMITTER: Sima BT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6558710 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature