BEYOND BIOMEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS AMONG THE YORUBAS OF SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL PROGRAMME
Raymond Kayode Kuteyi & Bayo Joshua Peletu
Department Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan,
Department Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan,
Email: raymondkuteyi90@gmail.com, peletubayo@gmail.com.
Abstract: The beliefs in etiology and etymology of Tuberculosis (TB) among the Yoruba run contrary to the western bio-medical paradigm: a scenario which continues to deter the optimum utilization of biomedical facilities. This accounts for resilience of the disease, as earlier studies on tuberculosis focused on causes, prevalence, logistics and social stigma. Local diagnosis and management of tuberculosis and their implication on tuberculosis control programme have been largely ignored.Our study examines how customs, values, and beliefs embedded in local diagnosis, and management of the disease, disfavor the utilization of biomedical facilities, and the implication on tuberculosis control programme. Through qualitative and descriptive ethnography, Key Informant Interview (KII), Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and the textual analysis of documents, our study seek to establish that the Yoruba cultures are rife with customs, values and beliefs that influenced how tuberculosis is diagnosed and managed locally. This has reinforced their reliance on traditional/ home remedies for cure that makes a strong case for the low utilization of bio-medical facilities, with consequent implication on tuberculosis control programme in the study area. The great optimism of winning the fight against tuberculosis must be sustained by eliminating cultural obstacles and erroneous perceptions that seem to create the gaps in understanding and managing the disease. There is need to dispel these beliefs and primitive perceptions on the causes of tuberculosis that deter optimum utilization of biomedical facilities and quality care if successful programme must be guaranteed.
Keywords: Local; Diagnosis; Management; Yoruba; Tuberculosis.