Prevalence and Socio-demographic Variations in Traditional Medicine Use: A Study from East Nile Locality, Sudan

ABSTRACT: Traditional medicine (TM) remains a cornerstone of healthcare in Sudan, across urban and rural settings. We explored TM use and its association with socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, education, economic status, and residence) in East Nile locality (ShargAlneil), Khartoum State. A survey encompassing 609 households (44.7% rural, 55.3% urban) revealed a high prevalence of TM use: over 80% reported using at least one form. Notably, significant socio-demographic variations emerged. Individuals with higher education leaned towards herbalists (p<0.05), while those with lower education favored religious healers (p<0.05). Similarly, older adults preferred religious healers (p<0.05), while males tended to choose herbalists (p<0.05). The most common ailments preferred to be treated by TM practitioners were spiritual and psychological issues, bone injuries, stomachaches, and headaches. Conversely, conditions like malaria, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease were primarily preferred to be managed by modern medicine. This study highlights the widespread use of TM across diverse demographics, with preferences for specific types of practitioners. It also underscores a selective trust in modern medicine for certain diseases. Integrating socio-demographic and cultural perspectives into healthcare delivery can enhance understanding of community needs and guide the development of appropriate interventions. Further research is warranted to delve deeper into the reasons behind these variations in treatment preferences.