A Study of Traditional Methods Used in Promoting Health Among Lactating Mothers : Case Study of Gomaa District

ABSTRACT

Traditional health care methods for lactating mothers have existed since time immemorial and were heavily depended upon by the Gompas and other traditional societies in general. With the introduction of modem health facilities, however, the emphasis shifted from their use to modem methods and facilities. These, over time, proved to be unavailable and cost-prohibitive. The objectives of this study were to find out how popular traditional methods are among the Gompas, what people’s perceptions about them are, and how they could be improved. It also aimed at finding out what some of the problems with modem methods are for mothers in the Gomoa district. Data was collected mainly through interviews. Data analyses were mainly descriptive, though quantitative methods and tabular data were used. The findings revealed that traditional methods are still used despite the availability of modem methods, and these methods could (and should) be improved through various ways and for various reason. Traditional healers were reluctant to label their drugs, because they consider the preparations and dosages as their “trade secrets" It is the view of the researcher that traditional methods of promoting health should be given a more serious attention.