Collaborative Practices Among Yoruba Traditional Healers in Epilepsy Treatment: Insights from a 2024 Study in Southwest Nigeria

Illustrative Image: Collaborative Practices Among Yoruba Traditional Healers in Epilepsy Treatment: Insights from a 2024 Study in Southwest Nigeria
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A recent study by Ademilokun, T. F., & Agunbiade, O. M. (2024) titled “Collaborative practice in the treatment of epilepsy among Yoruba traditional healers in Southwest Nigeria” published in African Anthropologist, reveals that collaborative practices among Yoruba traditional healers play a crucial role in the treatment of epilepsy, enabling improved treatment outcomes, knowledge sharing, and enhanced trust within their communities.

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Collaborative practices among Yoruba traditional healers significantly enhance epilepsy treatment outcomes through knowledge sharing, trust-building, and culturally grounded care.
– Ademilokun, T. F., & Agunbiade, O. M. (2024

The study examines how traditional healers in Yoruba communities work together to manage epilepsy, particularly in complex cases. The research focuses on two main objectives: To explore the ways in which Yoruba traditional healers collaborate in the treatment of epilepsy and to assess the implications of such collaboration for patient care, treatment effectiveness, and access to healthcare services. Epilepsy remains highly prevalent across Africa, with a significant number of cases going untreated due to inadequate access to biomedical healthcare. In this context, traditional medicine continues to serve as an essential and accessible form of healthcare in Nigeria, especially in rural and marginalized communities. Within the Yoruba healing system, illness is understood through an integrated lens that combines natural, supernatural, and spiritual dimensions. This holistic worldview shapes how epilepsy is perceived and treated, making collaboration among traditional healers a critical aspect of patient care.

How the Study was Conducted

The study adopted a qualitative research approach to explore the collaborative practices of Yoruba traditional healers in the treatment of epilepsy. Conducted in Ile-Ife and Modakeke-Ife—two culturally significant towns in Southwest Nigeria renowned for their deep-rooted Yoruba heritage and traditional healing systems—the research aimed to uncover the social and spiritual dimensions of indigenous healing.

A total of 24 traditional healers participated in the study, including diviners, herbalists, and herb sellers. Using a snowball sampling technique, researchers began with a few initial contacts who then referred them to other practitioners, enabling access to a broader and more interconnected network of healers.

Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews, allowing for open-ended yet guided discussions around themes such as collaboration styles, referral practices, and healer-patient dynamics. Interviews were conducted in either Yoruba or English, based on each participant’s language preference.

All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, which helped identify key patterns and recurring themes within the data. This method provided rich insights into how traditional healers collaborate—both formally and informally—when treating complex cases of epilepsy. The study ultimately highlighted the strengths, limitations, and cultural context of collaborative healing within Yoruba traditional medicine.

What the Author Found

The author found that collaborative practices among Yoruba traditional healers play a crucial role in the treatment of epilepsy, enabling improved treatment outcomes, knowledge sharing, and enhanced trust within their communities. However, these collaborations are largely informal, with limited patient involvement and inconsistent referral practices, which may affect the quality and safety of care. The study highlights the need for more structured and transparent systems to support both healers and patients.

Why is this important

Enhance Collaboration Among Healers: The study underscores the value of consultation, knowledge sharing, and referrals among traditional healers. Strengthening these collaborative practices can lead to more effective and consistent epilepsy care, particularly in areas with limited biomedical services.

Improve Access to Care in Underserved Areas: Given the scarcity of formal healthcare in many rural Nigerian communities, empowering traditional healers—who are often the first point of contact—can help bridge critical healthcare gaps for epilepsy patients.

Build Trust Through Community-Based Practices: Collaborative healing enhances a healer’s credibility and promotes trust among patients. Encouraging cooperative practices can foster better treatment adherence and positive community health outcomes.

Address Ethical Concerns and Promote Patient Consent: The study reveals that patient involvement is often limited in healer consultations. The authors recommend increasing transparency and ensuring informed consent to protect patient rights and autonomy.

Support Policy Development and System Integration: Findings advocate for integrating traditional healers into national health frameworks through structured referral systems, standardized practices, and culturally sensitive training, ensuring patient safety and service quality.

Leverage Cultural Knowledge for Global Health: The research offers valuable insights into how cultural beliefs and practices influence healthcare delivery. These lessons can inform global health initiatives in other multicultural or resource-constrained settings.

What the Authors Recommended

• Encourage greater openness about how traditional healers collaborate, especially in complex cases, to reduce secrecy and improve public understanding and trust.
• Develop structured mechanisms for referring patients both within traditional healer networks and to biomedical facilities, ensuring continuity of care and minimizing the risks of informal or incomplete referrals.
• Advocate for increased patient involvement in treatment decisions. Traditional healers should prioritize informed consent when consulting peers or referring patients to others.
• Support the development and capacity of healer associations to promote ethical standards, peer accountability, knowledge exchange, and ongoing training.
• Explore collaborative models that link traditional healing with biomedical care—such as mutual referral pathways, cross-training, and community health partnerships—to enhance overall healthcare delivery.

In conclusion, the study by Ademilokun and Agunbiade provides critical insight into the collaborative dynamics among Yoruba traditional healers in the treatment of epilepsy. By shedding light on both the strengths and limitations of these informal networks, the research underscores the importance of integrating traditional healing practices into broader health systems. Strengthening collaboration, ensuring patient involvement, and fostering mutual respect between traditional and biomedical practitioners can lead to more inclusive, culturally relevant, and effective healthcare delivery—particularly in underserved communities where access to conventional medical care remains limited.