ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ON PATIENT PERCEPTIONS ON USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Introduction: This study investigates the influence of healthcare providers on patient perceptions regarding the use of medicinal plants for disease treatment in the Northern Region of Ghana. Medicinal plants play a significant role in traditional medicine in this area, yet the interplay between healthcare recommendations and patient beliefs remains underexplored. Methods: A total of 300 respondents participated in the survey, with demographic information collected on gender, age, education, and occupation. The perceptions regarding medicinal plants were assessed through a structured questionnaire that evaluated participants' experiences, knowledge, and influences of healthcare provider recommendations. Results: The findings reveal that 94.7% of participants reported having used medicinal plants, but 83.7% rated their knowledge of these remedies as low. Significant associations were found between socio-demographic factors—such as age, education, and occupation—and patients' perceptions of healthcare provider influence. High influence rates were observed, with 67.7% of respondents scoring between 11 and 15 on the influence scale regarding healthcare provider recommendations. Furthermore, 90.6% consulted doctors for guidance on herbal treatments, and 83.7% indicated that they always sought advice from healthcare providers when considering the use of medicinal plants. Conclusion: Despite the prevalent use of herbal remedies, concerns about scientific validation and dosage standardization were highlighted. This study underscores the critical role of healthcare providers in shaping patient attitudes and knowledge concerning medicinal plants. The findings suggest a need for targeted educational initiatives that empower patients to make informed health decisions while integrating traditional remedies into contemporary healthcare practices.