Exploring the Utilization of Traditional Eye Medicines: An Investigation amongst Integrated Tsangaya Model Schools Studenta in Kano State, Nigeria
Murtala Haruna Bawa, Dahiru Abdullahi, Anas Yakubu Muhammad
Abstract
Background
Traditional eye medicines encompass various remedies, treatments, and practices used to
prevent or treat eye-related disorders, often rooted in cultural, folkloric, or unconventional
medical traditions. These remedies may include herbal extracts, plant-based treatments,
animal-derived products, mineral-based treatments, spiritual or ritualistic practices, and
manual therapies.
Traditional eye medicines can be found in various regional practices, including Ayurvedic
eye care from India, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) eye treatments, Unani medicine
from the Middle East and South Asia, African traditional medicine and Indigenous American
healing practices. Traditional eye medicines often possess distinct characteristics, such as
being passed down through generations, lacking scientific evidence or regulation, focusing on
holistic approaches, and incorporating spiritual or cultural beliefs. These remedies are used to
treat various eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and conjunctivitis.
Objective
To explore the utilization of traditional eye medicine practices used to treat students of
integrated Tsangaya model schools in Kano state, Nigeria.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted from 13/03/2023 to 03/04/2023. Consent
forms and questionnaire were administered through face to face interview. Basic eye
examination and visual acuity assessment were similarly conducted. Fundamental Cause
Theory (FCT) was the theoretical framework underpinning the study. The study participants
were 273 sampled from the study population using simple random sampling technique. The
data collected were analyzed using STATA Version 13 statistical soft-ware.
Results
A 95% level of confidence and p-value of 0.05 was set for the study. The demographic
characteristics of the research participants were, males 86% (n=234), and females 14%
(n=39), with age ranges of between 4 to 17 years. The results showed that 58% (n=158) have
different eye problems, while 42% (115) have normal ocular health. On the treatment
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methods utilized by the study participants the result shows, 32% (n=51) utilize orthodox
medicine for treatment of eye conditions, 3% (n=5) use traditional eye medicine to treat their
eye problem, while 64% (n=101) do not utilize any form of treatment method to treat their
eye condition.
Conclusion
There is a high percentage 64% (n=101), of non-utilization of any treatment method. It is
recommended that health education on the importance of seeking treatment for eye
conditions should be vigorously conducted to students, teachers and parents, so as to prevent
the development of complications that are sight threatening.