Use of Traditional Medicines for Prevention and Treatment of Covid-19. A Cross-Sectional Survey in Four African Countries

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has survived for a long time without a definitive medicine forcing people to turn to traditional medicines. However, it is not clear whether COVID-19 influenced people to trust and use traditional medicine.

Primary Study Objective: To explore whether lack of definitive medication for COVID-19 pandemic had any influence on the use of traditional medicine in four African countries.

Methods/Design: A questionnaire consisting of 12 questions was administered using online platforms to people aged 18 years and above in Ghana, Lesotho, South Africa and Tanzania between April and June 2020. The questionnaire assessed respondent’s belief on traditional medicine and whether they used or ready to use for the pandemic. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression were analyzed using SPSS.

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