Prevalence, Knowledge, Perceptions, Attitudes, and Role of Traditional Healers in Snake Bites and Envenomations in the Bofidji-Ouest Group, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The pathology of bites and envenomations poses significant public health, social, economic, and environmental challenges in Bofidji, West DRC. In the absence of modern health infrastructure and serotherapy, traditional medicine remains the primary means of intervention for snakebite envenomation, a serious medical and surgical emergency. This study incorporates an epidemiological survey of snakebite incidents alongside an ethnobotanical survey, examining local plants and traditional treatments, and the knowledge of practitioners in managing these emergencies. Data was collected retrospectively in 2019 and 2020 to assess the frequency of bites by season, gender, and demographic factors, with a specific focus on variations among women. The results identified 33 plants used in local ethnobotany for treating snakebites, alongside various animal extracts utilized in medicinal preparations. Statistical analyses revealed significant patterns in snakebite incidence related to socio-demographic variables. The study highlights the gendered perspectives and cultural practices surrounding treatment methods and knowledge sharing among local healers. While there is openness among healthcare practitioners to integrate traditional methods into modern protocols, barriers persist, including cultural differences and the need for scientific validation of traditional knowledge. This study underscores the importance of local expertise in managing envenomations and advocates for a holistic healthcare approach that bridges traditional and modern medicine. Such integration presents challenges but offers a pathway for more inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare practices, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes in the management of snakebite incidents.