Traditional African Medicine: Treatment of a Case of a Large Boil in the Indénié-Djuablin Region (Ivory Coast)

Abstract

Traditional medicine in Ivory Coast is undergoing a major transformation and occupies a prominent place in the health system. Indeed, the experience of Covid-19, marked by the inability of modern Western health systems to treat this viral disease, has sparked a growing interest in traditional medicine, despite the denial of recognition to which he is subject through certain players in the modern health system. And yet, the prowess of African medicine in curing many diseases is legion. Indeed, by being part of a holistic approach to care, traditional medicine brings psychological well-being to Africans who share a popular conception which distinguishes diseases of natural origin from diseases of sacred origin. This guides individuals in their therapeutic choice. This study aims to understand the sociocultural logics constructed around the disease from the description of the therapeutic care of a patient suffering from a large boil. This is an essentially qualitative study which focused on a sample of 11 people selected using purposive choice and snowball effect sampling techniques. This surveyed population is composed of ( ( 01 ) patient, (09) family members, and (01) diviners-healers). For data collection, the interview guide and an ethnographic observation guide were used. The semi-directive individual interviews concerned the patient and the healer. While the focus groups were conducted with family members. All interviews were conducted either at the patient’s home or at the therapist’s office with their approval. Thematic analysis revealed that the large boil is a “ natural” disease linked to a biological dysfunction. But it can also have a “ mystical” character. Thus, for optimal care, treatment linked to magico-religious care associated with the power of medicinal plants would be recommended.