Disease Diagnosis and Management: The Experiences of Hemorrhoid Herbal Vendors and Customers in Oyo State, Nigeria
Hemorrhoids (or piles) are an anorectal condition that affects many individuals who do not necessarily seek medical support. Many who suffer from this condition resort to home treatment, especially cultural diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, an herbal remedy, popularly known as jedijedi drinks, has gained high patronage but with contested effectiveness. Thus, this study explored the diagnosis and use of hemorrhoid herbal remedy. Using a mixed methods research design, information was elicited from those who used or sold the remedy at the three points of sales: 107 consumer respondents were surveyed and three herbal vendors were interviewed in Ibadan, Oyo Town, and Ogbomoso in Oyo State, Nigeria. The selection of the three herbal vendors was based on their popularity and patronage. Data interpretation included the use of chi square and qualitative content analysis. Results revealed a high prevalence (71% of hemorrhoids among respondents who used jedijedi drinks for curative purposes; 90.7% of respondents claimed to know the risk factors for developing hemorrhoids. Specifically, respondents mentioned sugary and starchy substances (77.8% sitting for long periods of time (6.1% and stress (8.1% as perceived causes of hemorrhoids, and 9.2% asserted that the cause was preternatural. Respondents reported irregular menstrual cycle, an inability to sit or stand for long and erectile dysfunction as symptoms of hemorrhoids. The experience of erectile dysfunction was significantly related (2 6.906) to respondents' marital status. Herbal vendors reported that the common diagnosis method was vendor customer oral dialogue that determined the type of herbal remedy prescribed. Findings support the recommendation for public sensitization through mass media to reduce misconceptions about hemorrhoids that affect its management.