The Role of Traditional Healing in Maternal Mental Healthcare in Borno State
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Background of the Study
Traditional healing practices have long been an integral part of healthcare systems in Africa, particularly in regions with limited access to modern medical services. In Nigeria, many people, especially in rural communities, rely on traditional healers for managing physical and mental health conditions. Traditional medicine, which includes herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and community-based counseling, is deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and is often the first line of treatment for many health issues, including maternal mental health disorders (WHO, 2024).
Borno State, located in northeastern Nigeria, has faced significant healthcare challenges due to ongoing security crises, displacement, and poor healthcare infrastructure. Many women in the state experience maternal mental health issues such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress, but lack access to formal psychiatric care. As a result, they turn to traditional healers, who provide treatments based on cultural and spiritual practices (Abubakar & Ali, 2024).
Despite its widespread use, traditional healing remains controversial due to concerns about efficacy, safety, and the lack of scientific validation. While some traditional healers offer valuable psychological support, others may propagate harmful practices or discourage women from seeking medical help (Okafor et al., 2024). There is a need to evaluate the role of traditional healing in maternal mental healthcare in Borno State, assessing both its benefits and limitations.
Statement of the Problem
Maternal mental healthcare remains underdeveloped in Borno State due to inadequate psychiatric facilities, a shortage of trained professionals, and cultural stigma associated with mental illness. As a result, many women turn to traditional healers for help. While traditional healing provides accessible and culturally accepted alternatives, its effectiveness in treating maternal mental health issues is not well-documented (Ibrahim & Usman, 2024).
Concerns exist about the potential risks associated with traditional healing, including delayed access to medical treatment, the use of unregulated herbal remedies, and the misdiagnosis of mental health conditions. Additionally, some traditional healing practices reinforce superstitions that stigmatize women with postpartum mental illnesses, making it harder for them to seek appropriate care (Yusuf & Ahmed, 2024).
This study seeks to investigate the role of traditional healing in maternal mental healthcare in Borno State, examining both its contributions and its limitations. The findings will provide insights into how traditional and modern healthcare systems can be integrated to improve maternal mental health outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
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To assess the extent to which traditional healers are involved in maternal mental healthcare in Borno State.
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To evaluate the perceived effectiveness of traditional healing in managing maternal mental health disorders.
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To explore potential strategies for integrating traditional and modern healthcare approaches to maternal mental health.
Research Questions
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How prevalent is the use of traditional healing for maternal mental health care in Borno State?
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What are the perceived benefits and risks of traditional healing in maternal mental health treatment?
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How can traditional and modern healthcare practices be integrated to improve maternal mental healthcare?
Research Hypotheses
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Traditional healing is widely used as an alternative to modern maternal mental healthcare in Borno State.
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Women who rely on traditional healing are less likely to seek professional mental health services.
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Integrating traditional and modern healthcare approaches improves maternal mental health outcomes.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on pregnant and postpartum women in Borno State, traditional healers, and healthcare professionals. It will explore the role of traditional healing in maternal mental healthcare and assess its impact. Limitations may include difficulties in obtaining accurate information due to cultural secrecy surrounding traditional healing practices.
Definitions of Terms
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Traditional healing: The use of indigenous knowledge, herbal medicine, and spiritual practices for health treatment.
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Maternal mental health: Psychological well-being during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Postpartum depression (PPD): A depressive disorder affecting women after childbirth.
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