Ugandan traditional healers study : `indigenous knowledge and management of childhood diarrhoeal diseases" (Uganda traditional healers initiative - phase one, research)

This study focuses on traditional healers" management of childhood diseases, especially those in which diarrhea might be a symptom. Research was conducted in three regions -- Iganga, Kabarole, and Mpigi -- and involved focus group discussions with mothers. The aim of the study was to provide information helpful in encouraging collaboration between traditional healers and government health workers, and specifically in designing a workshop on oral rehydration therapy for traditional healers. The report begins with background information on childhood mortality and morbidity in Uganda, previous research on traditional medicine, and instances of cooperation between healers and biomedical practitioners. Findings are then provided on healers" characteristics, the relationship between healers and health workers, healers" management of childhood illnesses, incidence of diarrhea, case histories of recent diarrheal episodes, culture-specific illnesses, and other illnesses of which diarrhea may be a symptom. Recommendations for fostering collaboration between healers and biomedical health workers conclude the report.