Health care providers’ perceptions on harmful traditional health practices in Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background: More knowledge is needed about traditional surgical procedures performed in African countries, and the complications caused by such practices. Objective This paper describes the frequency of traditional surgical health practices and their adverse physical health effects in various regions of Ethiopia, as interpreted by a representative sample of health workers. Methods: A list of health practices was presented to 97 health workers sampled from all but 2 regions in Ethiopia. They were asked whether these practices, to their knowledge, were carried out in their respective catchment areas and whether they had observed any physical complications. Results: According to the perceptions of the health workers, the frequent practice of female genital mutilation was confirmed, and in addition practices such as milk tooth extraction, uvulectomy, uterus massage and tonsillectomy were prevalent. The most commonly reported complications were infections, followed by bleeding. Most of these traditional surgical procedures resulted in frequent and sometimes fatal complications. Conclusions: The findings call for preventive strategies, where the health sector may play an important role. [Ethio.J.Health Dev. 2003;17(1):35-44]