Role of traditional healers in the management of microbial keratitis in eastern Nepal : WestminsterResearch

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Title	Role of traditional healers in the management of microbial keratitis in eastern Nepal
Type	Journal article
Authors	Sandip Das Sanyam, Reena Yadav, Abeer H.A. Mohamed Ahmed, Simon Arunga, Astrid Leck, David Macleod, Abhishek Roshan, Sanjay K. Singh, Sailesh K. Mishra, Jeremy Hoffman, Matthew Burton and Tara Mtuy
Abstract	Background Microbial Keratitis (MK) is a leading cause of corneal blindness due to infection and its consequences, with a higher incidence in resource-limited nations. Hospital-based patient records from different parts of Nepal suggest patients often use traditional eye medicine to treat MK. Traditional healers (TH) within the community are often the first point of care for MK management. Little is known of their practice, perceptions, and knowledge around MK management. We aimed to understand the role of traditional healers in the management of MK in south-eastern Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional, mixed method, descriptive study was conducted in the Siraha district of Nepal. A total of 109 traditional healers consented to participate in a survey of knowledge, attitude, and practices. Some participants were also invited to participate in in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Interviews and focus groups were conducted and recorded in the Maithili language by a native speaking interviewer and transcribed into English. Descriptive analysis was performed for the survey. Data saturation was considered the endpoint for qualitative data collection, and a thematic was analysis applied. Results Traditional healers believe that infection of the eye can be caused by trauma, conjunctivitis, or evil spirits. They were unclear about differentiating MK from other eye conditions. They provided various types of treatment. Some were confident that they could treat severe ulcers that had not responded to medical therapy, while others thought treating larger diameter ulcers would be difficult. Although there were mixed responses in referring patients with MK, the majority of TH were willing to refer. Conclusion In a weak health system, traditional healers may help address barriers to healthcare access and reduce delays to definitive care, upon integration into the formal health system and referral pathway.
Article number	295
Journal	Wellcome Open Research
Journal citation	9
ISSN	2398-502X
Year	2024
Publisher	F1000 Research Ltd
Publisher's version	77a18681-0beb-4294-aae4-5f7628e1f93f_21241_-_sandip_das_sanyam_v2.pdf License CC BY 4.0 File Access Level Open (open metadata and files)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)	https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.21241.1
Web address (URL)	http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.21241.1
Published	04 Nov 2024

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Role of traditional healers in the management of microbial keratitis in eastern Nepal

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