The Role Of Significant Others In The Utilization Of Traditional Orthopaedic Services In Kwara State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Orthopaedic injuries contribute to most musculo-skeletal health challenges in developing

societies partly due to increasing rate of technological advancement and its associated

consequences. Despite the little recognition experienced, traditional orthopaedic service

due to the 'severity of most orthopaedic injuries which sometimes 'left patients

incapacitated, decision making regarding treatment is sometimes determined by

significant others and has implication for patients well being. This forms the focuss of

this paper which is hinged on the health belief model as framework for explanation. Both

qualitative and quantitative methods were used to elicit data. Questionnaire was

administered to 357 randomly selected orthopaedic patients, while In-depth Interview

(IDI) was conducted with 7patients and 14 practitioners. Findings revealed that majority

of the patients (73.1%) belonged to the active age group (21-60 years); were males

(74.5%) who engaged in occupations that predisposed them to orthopaedic injuries.

Referral was mainly effected by family members (43:2%), former TOSP's patients

(35.4%), friends (13.0%), and members of practitioners' ethnic groups (8.0%) who made

these decisions because they were privy to effective treatment offered by the TOSPs.

Intensive capacity building and collaboration with western practitioners was

recommended for improved deliveryof orthopaedic care.