An Examination of Patients' Reliance on Alternative Medicine Despite Medical Interventions at Federal Medical Centre, Gombe
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Background of the Study
Alternative medicine is widely used across the world, especially in developing countries, as many patients rely on it alongside conventional treatments. In Nigeria, despite the availability of modern healthcare services, many patients continue to seek alternative or complementary treatments. This reliance is often influenced by cultural beliefs, socioeconomic factors, and dissatisfaction with conventional medical care (Oloruntoba et al., 2024). Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Gombe, like many healthcare facilities in Nigeria, provides modern medical interventions for various health conditions, yet patients may turn to alternative medicine either concurrently or exclusively. The types of alternative medicine commonly used include herbal medicine, traditional healing practices, and faith-based treatments.
Understanding why patients persist in using alternative medicine despite receiving medical care is crucial for improving patient outcomes and fostering better nurse-patient relationships. This research seeks to explore the factors that influence patients' decisions to use alternative medicine in conjunction with or instead of medical interventions. It will also investigate the implications of this behavior on the effectiveness of conventional treatments and the healthcare system as a whole.
Statement of the Problem
At FMC Gombe, patients often choose to combine traditional and alternative medicines with formal medical treatments, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of modern interventions. Despite the increasing emphasis on evidence-based care, the prevalence of alternative medicine use raises questions about patients' perceptions of medical care, the role of cultural beliefs, and the potential consequences for health outcomes. This study aims to examine the reasons behind patients' reliance on alternative medicine and the impact of this practice on their overall health outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
1. To investigate the reasons patients rely on alternative medicine despite medical interventions at FMC Gombe.
2. To evaluate the impact of using alternative medicine on the effectiveness of medical interventions.
3. To explore the perceptions of healthcare providers regarding the use of alternative medicine by patients.
Research Questions
1. What are the primary reasons for patients' reliance on alternative medicine despite medical interventions at FMC Gombe?
2. How does the use of alternative medicine affect the outcomes of conventional medical treatments?
3. What are the attitudes of healthcare providers toward patients' use of alternative medicine in conjunction with medical interventions?
Research Hypotheses
1. Patients' cultural beliefs and dissatisfaction with conventional medicine are key factors in their reliance on alternative medicine.
2. The use of alternative medicine negatively impacts the effectiveness of medical treatments at FMC Gombe.
3. Healthcare providers at FMC Gombe perceive the use of alternative medicine as a challenge to achieving optimal patient outcomes.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on patients at FMC Gombe who use alternative medicine alongside conventional treatments. Data will be collected through surveys and interviews with patients and healthcare providers. Limitations include the difficulty in obtaining a representative sample and the subjective nature of measuring treatment outcomes.
Definitions of Terms
• Alternative Medicine: Health practices, treatments, and products that are not part of standard medical care, such as herbal medicine, traditional healing, and faith-based therapies.
• Medical Interventions: Conventional treatments provided by healthcare professionals based on scientific evidence, including medications, surgeries, and other clinical procedures.
• Cultural Beliefs: The shared values and traditions within a community that influence individuals' health-seeking behavior.
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