Indigenous Medicine: Beliefs, Healing Practices,  Opportunities And Challenges Of Hemorrhoids In  Farta Woreda, South Gondar, Ethiopia

Fentahun, Getie

dc.contributor.author	Fentahun, Getie
dc.date.accessioned	2025-01-23T07:54:53Z
dc.date.available	2025-01-23T07:54:53Z
dc.date.issued	2025-01
dc.identifier.uri	http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/16427
dc.description.abstract	Indigenous medicine has been widely used for hemorrhoids treatment. However, a comprehensive study has not been done on this topic. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate the beliefs of the community towards the causes, healing practices, opportunities and challenges of indigenous medicine for hemorrhoid treatment in Farta Woreda, South Gondar, Ethiopia. Qualitative approach and an ethnographic design were employed. The study area and sample participants were selected through purposive sampling technique. Primary data were gathered through in-depth and key informant interviews, focus group discussion and observation. The study was conducted from April – August, 2024. The study employed thematic analysis method to analyze the collected data. The finding of the study revealed that the main perceived causes of hemorrhoids among the local communities are sitting in the heat, the attacks of fever (Michi), using the toilet for a long time, exposure to hot surface, constipation and diarrhea, and heredity. Also, this study reveal that indigenous healers utilize various plant parts, animal products, and minerals to prepare remedies for hemorrhoids. The main methods used by indigenous healers to diagnose hemorrhoid diseases include observation, interviewing, experience-based assessment, physical examination and modern equipment. Anointing with medicines, syringe treatments, cracking and cutting (incision), drinkable and fumigation and cauterize are the common treatment methods of hemorrhoids in a study community. Moreover, as an opportunity, the finding of the study revealed that due to accessibility, effectiveness, stigma and historical significance within the community indigenous medicine is widespread use for treating hemorrhoids and other ailments. The main challenges facing indigenous hemorrhoid medication in the face of modernization include the stigmatization and discrimination of indigenous healers, the loss of resources and material challenges they encounter, and the lack of awareness and non-recognition of their practices by the media. In addition, the study findings indicate that several drawbacks of indigenous hemorrhoid treatment include inadequate diagnosis, drug balance issues, bleeding, scarring and accountability problems. Generally, indigenous medication practices play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of communities. By acknowledging and cooperated these practices with modern medicine, we can enhance treatment effectiveness and better address the specific health needs of the population	en_US
dc.language.iso	en_US	en_US
dc.subject	Social Anthropology	en_US
dc.title	Indigenous Medicine: Beliefs, Healing Practices, Opportunities And Challenges Of Hemorrhoids In Farta Woreda, South Gondar, Ethiopia	en_US
dc.type	Thesis	en_US