Herbal Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Central Region of Ghana

Abstract

In Ghana, like in many African countries, sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) are a major public health problem. Guided by the African indigenous knowledge, this study used the interpretivist paradigm to explore the herbal treatment of sexually transmitted infections in the Central region of Ghana. The study recruited 20 participants using the purposive sampling technique. Data collected were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study indicated that traditional practitioners’ beliefs in the use of herbs were due to spiritual, socio economic and natural composition of herbs. A total of twenty-four (26) species of herbs were identified to be effective in treating sexually transmitted infections. Eleven (11) of the herbs were named as effective for treating gonorrhoea, ten (10) for syphilis, and five (5) were named to have been used to treat HIV and AIDS. Grewia carpinifolia, Cardiospermum grandifolia and Aspilla Africana were the most commonly used herbs among practitioners while Zingiberaceae, Sapindaceae and Apocynaceae were the most popular families used to treat STIs. The processes involved in the treatment of gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV and AIDS are revelation about client, diagnosis, establishing the causes of STIs, application of treatment therapy, review, confirmation of treatment and thanksgiving. Destiny plays an important role in the treatment of STIs. Practitioners perceived that herbal treatment has therapeutic and adverse effects. The Ghana Health Service in collaboration with the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM) may organize training workshops to build the capacity of traditional healers in areas of medicine dosage, hygiene and record-keeping.