INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL ORAL HEALTHCARE PRACTICES IN PREVENTING DENTAL ISSUES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES ( A CASE OF RURAL COMMUNITIES IN EDO, STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Globally, traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) is commonly practised in numerous countries worldwide, particularly among individuals suffering from chronic or long-term illnesses (WHO, 2023; WHO, 2022). In addition, TCAM, or Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine, has gained popularity in Western nations as a supplementary or alternative approach to conventional biomedical treatments (KofiTsekpo, 2018). This can be attributed, at least in part, to the philosophical inclination of TCAM practitioners who actively involve patients in their treatment, leading to a more comprehensive approach to health (WHO, 2023; Gqalenii et al., 2019). 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides a definition of traditional medicine (TM) as the use of health practices, attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs that involve the use of plant, animal, and mineral derived medicines, spiritual therapies, and manual techniques. On the other hand, traditional practices often involve a combination of herbal remedies, rituals, and community knowledge passed down through generations. These practices not only serve as a primary means of maintaining oral health but also reflect cultural beliefs and social norms within these communities (Afolabi et al., 2020). The actions and measures taken to reduce the incidence and severity of dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health conditions to maintain oral health and prevent dental issues include the use of herbal remedies, natural toothbrushes (such as chewing sticks), traditional dietary habits, and other culturally-specific methods employed by rural communities.

In Nigeria, traditional healers are often the first choice for many individuals facing health problems due to their perceived efficacy and widespread dissatisfaction with modern medicine. For example, in rural areas and among communities with limited access to conventional healthcare facilities, traditional healers are frequently consulted. In urban areas like Lagos, people with higher education levels and health insurance coverage are more likely to visit dentists or modern medical practitioners. However, in rural areas, the choice of therapy is often influenced by the type of dwelling and proximity to healthcare facilities.

A cross-sectional study in Nigeria reveal that, home remedies are commonly used for dental problems, while traditional healers are often consulted for medical issues. The utilization of indigenous and modern healthcare services likely varies between dental and medical problems, reflecting different patterns of healthcare-seeking behavior. However, it is worth mentioning that certain components found in these medications have adverse effects on the mouth, stomach, and the entire gastrointestinal system, potentially resulting in serious conditions such as "iatrogenic gastritis and colitis (Jafer et al., 2019). A prevalent criticism of traditional medicine is that practitioners assert their ability to treat any ailment, regardless of their understanding of the disease's cause or underlying mechanisms. This necessitates careful consideration of the effectiveness of their treatment methods (Agbor & Sudeshni, 2021). Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to investigate the role of traditional oral healthcare practices in preventing dental issues in rural communities.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Over the past decade, rural communities in Nigeria generally lack adequate access to modern healthcare facilities, such as dental clinics and proficient oral health providers. However, the limited availability of oral health services is worsened by socioeconomic constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and geographical isolation, which highlights the importance of traditional practices in managing oral health for many people (Adeniyi et al., 2018). Traditional healers and community elders have significant responsibilities in providing guidance on oral health matters and delivering remedies made from local plants and natural substances that are considered to have medicinal characteristics that are useful for dental care. Furthermore, these conventional traditions are frequently included into more comprehensive community health frameworks where dental health is connected to general wellness. For example, rituals and practices associated with oral hygiene also include spiritual or social meaning, hence emphasising their importance beyond just medical advantages (Ehizele et al., 2018). 

A study conducted in some rural communities in Nigeria has revealed that traditional oral healthcare methods have shown promise in avoiding dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disorders, and oral infections (Oredugba et al., 2017). However, research suggests that some herbal formulations utilized in these procedures possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics that aid in the preservation of oral health. Moreover, the social aspect of these practices cultivates a feeling of shared accountability for oral health, encouraging consciousness and compliance with preventive measures across the community (Oyapero et al., 2019). Thus, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to investigate the role of traditional oral healthcare practices in preventing dental issues in rural communities.

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the role of traditional oral healthcare practices in preventing dental issues in rural communities. Specifically, the study will;

1.Investigate the traditional oral healthcare practices prevalent in rural communities in Edo State.

2.Assess the effectiveness of traditional oral healthcare practices in preventing dental issues among community members in Edo, State.

3.Investigate the factors influencing the use of traditional oral healthcare practices in rural communities.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What are the traditional oral healthcare practices prevalent in rural communities in Edo State?

Are traditional oral healthcare practices effective in preventing dental issues among community members in Edo State?

What are the factors influencing the use of traditional oral healthcare practices in rural communities?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: Traditional oral healthcare practices do not play a significant role in preventing dental issues in rural communities.

Ha: Traditional oral healthcare practices play a significant role in preventing dental issues in rural communities.

6 Significance of the Study

The findings of the study will assist healthcare providers informing the communities for the impact of traditional practices on oral health. Furthermore, this research will provide insights into the traditional methods and remedies that rural communities use to prevent and treat dental issues for dental care professionals,  

Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the role of traditional oral healthcare practices in preventing dental issues in rural communities.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the role of traditional oral healthcare practices in preventing dental issues in rural communities. Empirically, the study investigate the traditional oral healthcare practices prevalent in rural communities, assess the effectiveness of traditional oral healthcare practices in preventing dental issues among community members and investigate the factors influencing the use of traditional oral healthcare practices in rural communities.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to some selected rural communities in Edo state.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Oral hygiene: refers to the practice of maintaining cleanliness and health in the mouth to prevent various dental and oral health issues. 

Dental: related to the teeth, gums, and other structures in the mouth, as well as the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, ailments, and disorders concerning oral health.

Traditional medicine: refers to the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health and in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement, or treatment of physical and mental illnesses.

Rural Communities: Populations living in non-urban areas characterized by low population density, limited access to modern healthcare facilities, and a reliance on traditional practices.