Relationship Between Health Insurance Status and the Pattern of Traditional Medicine Utilisation in Ghana

Overview

Journal Evid Based Complement Alternat Med

Specialty Rehabilitation Medicine

Date 2015 Sep 9

PMID 26347791

Citations 9

Authors

Razak Mohammed Gyasi

Affiliations

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Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between national health insurance status and the pattern of traditional medicine (TRM) use among the general population in Ghana. A retrospective cross-sectional survey of randomly sampled adults, aged ≥18 years (N = 324), was conducted. The results indicate that TRM use was high with prevalence of over 86%. The study found no statistically significant association between national health insurance status and TRM utilisation (P > 0.05). Paradoxically, major sources of TRM, frequency of TRM use, comedical administration, and disclosure of TRM use to health care professionals differed significantly between the insured and uninsured subgroups (P < 0.001). Whereas effectiveness of TRM predicted its use for both insured [odds ratio (OR) = 4.374 (confidence interval (CI): 1.753-10.913; P = 0.002)] and uninsured [OR = 3.383 CI: 0.869-13.170; P = 0.039)], work experience predicted TRM use for the insured [OR = 1.528 (95% CI: 1.309-1.900; P = 0.019)]. Cultural specific variables and health philosophies rather than health insurance status may influence health care-seeking behaviour and TRM use. The enrollment of herbal-based therapies on the national health insurance medicine plan is exigent to ensure monitoring and rational use of TRM towards intercultural health care system in Ghana.

Citing Articles

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James P, Gyasi R, Kasilo O, Wardle J, Bah A, Yendewa G BMC Complement Med Ther. 2023; 23(1):137.

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Traditional Medicine Utilisation Among Pregnant Women in Sub-saharan African Countries: A Systematic Review of Literature.

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Indigenous Health Systems and Adolescent Sexual Health in Umguza and Mberengwa Districts of Zimbabwe: Community Key Stakeholders' Perspectives.

Nunu W, Makhado L, Mabunda J, Lebese R Health Serv Insights. 2021; 14:11786329211013553.

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Implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana: Lessons for South Africa and Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Christmals C, Aidam K Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2020; 13:1879-1904.

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