Narrative Analysis of the Link between Modern Medicine and Traditional Medicine in Africa: A Case of Mental Health in Uganda
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Date
2018
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Brain Research Bulletin
Abstract
Traditional Medicine Practices (TMP) which are premised on indigenous
knowledge and experiences within a local context of the culture and environment, are
common place in low income countries. In Africa and in Uganda specifically, nearly 80% of
the Ugandan population relies on TMP for the care of their mental health but they also use
Modern Medicine. There are areas of departure between Traditional and Modern Medical
practices in Africa that have been cited. What has attracted less research attention, are the
areas of convergence.
Objective: This paper aims to critically examine the link between Modern Medicine and
Traditional Healing Practices in Africa, citing Uganda as case example.
Method: A Narrative literature review with critical element assessment was undertaken to
identify documented points of departure, areas of common practice, and ways in which the
two models can co-exist and work together through a carefully thought out integration.
Results: Points of departure between Modern Medicine and Traditional Medicine Practices
are philosophical underpinnings of both practices, training of practitioners, and methods and
ethics of work. Common areas of practice include human rights perspective, descriptions of
mental illnesses, clinical diagnostic practice, particularly severer forms, intellectual property rights, and cross prescriptions. Exhibiting cultural humility on the side of the modern
medicine practitioners is one of the ways to work together with TMPs.
Conclusion: Points of departure are more documented and explicit and overshadow areas of
common practice while the links between the two are mainly implicit but sadly unrecognized.
Mental disorders are disorders of the brain and in neuroscience; the brain is culturally and
socially constructed. Sociocultural issues therefore cannot be divorced from disorders of the
brain and their management. For better patient outcome and patient-centered approach of
care, it is necessary to acknowledge and enhance the links in teaching, clinical and policy
level and carry out research on how the links could be improved.
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Keywords
Traditional Healing, Traditional Medicine, Modern Medicine, Mental Health, Uganda, Traditional Healing Practices, Modern Medicine Practices
Citation
Abbo C, Odokonyero R, Ovuga E, A Narrative Analysis of the Link between Modern Medicine and Traditional Medicine in Africa: A Case of Mental Health in Uganda, Brain Research Bulletin (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.07.018