“Exploring Information Accessibility, Knowledge Acquisition, Management, and Transfer among Traditional Herbal Medical Practitioners in South-West Nigeria”
Title: Relationship Between Information Accessibility, Knowledge Acquisition, Management, and Transfer Systems Among Traditional Herbal Medical Practitioners in South-West Nigeria
Authors: Suebat Ajoke BUSARI
Issue Date: 16-Aug-2021
Abstract:
This study explores the interconnectedness of information accessibility, knowledge acquisition, management, and transfer systems among traditional herbal medical practitioners in the South-West region of Nigeria. As conventional medicine has its limitations on human health, traditional herbal medicine has gained popularity due to its perceived minimal side effects. However, the universal acceptance and utilization of traditional herbal medicine have been hindered by challenges in accessing information, acquiring knowledge, managing it effectively, and transferring it.
The specific objectives of the study include determining the information channels used by traditional herbal medical practitioners, identifying sources of knowledge acquisition, understanding how acquired knowledge is transferred, and ascertaining the management strategies adopted by traditional herbal medical practitioners in South-West Nigeria. By shedding light on these variables, this research aims to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system in Nigeria.
The study population consisted of 4,408 traditional herbal medical practitioners from neighboring states within the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The sampling techniques employed were multi-stage, random, and stratified, with Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo states chosen as the target population. From this target population, 539 traditional herbal medical practitioners were selected as the study’s sample using stratified sampling technique, ensuring approximately equal representation from each state.
The research instruments used in this study were a structured questionnaire titled “Information Accessibility, Knowledge Acquisition, and Management Transfer System Among Traditional Herbal Medical Practitioners” and an unstructured interview focused on traditional herbal medicine. The validity of the results was ensured through expert input from supervisors in the field of library and information science/technology, while reliability was established through the split-half statistical method.
Data analysis involved the use of frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. The results revealed significant relationships among the following factors: (a) information accessibility and knowledge transfer system (r = 0.503); (b) knowledge acquisition and knowledge transfer system (r = 0.280); (c) information accessibility and knowledge system (r = 0.722) among traditional herbal medical practitioners in South-West Nigeria.
In conclusion, the study found that traditional herbal medical practitioners in South-West Nigeria primarily access and source information through oral transmission, association meetings, and consultations with community leaders, parents, or extended relations. To enhance their practices, it is recommended that traditional herbal medical practitioners embrace modern communication technologies such as the Internet, social media, electronic media, and library facilities to access, acquire, manage, and transfer relevant information and knowledge.
“Exploring Information Accessibility, Knowledge Acquisition, Management, and Transfer among Traditional Herbal Medical Practitioners in South-West Nigeria”