Perceptions of Cancer by Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Uganda: A qualitative study.

Introduction : Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) play a significant role in the provision of primary healthcare services to patients with cancer in economically disadvantaged communities. However, the TMPs’ understanding of cancer was found to be inadequate, unclear, and based on numerous cultures. Aims : Therefore, this qualitative study explored the perceptions of cancer by TMPs in Uganda. Methods : The article draws from an inductive qualitative descriptive study of 18 TMPs who were purposively selected based on socio-demographic characteristics such as managing patients with cancer for a period of over 10 years. In-depth face-to-face ethnographic interviews and three focus group discussions were held between October 2021 and January 2022. Data were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using conventional content analysis techniques. Results : TMPs defined cancer in two ways; 1) biomedical and 2) psychosocial-and economic terms. Cancer was believed to be caused by germs, chemicals, and diet (core causes), which were aggravated by various predisposing factors (such as smoking, and alcohol). Other causes included genetic predisposition and old age among others. TMPs traditionally diagnosed cancer, used biomedical principles to confirm it, and often misconceived modern diagnostic procedures. Conclusions : Although the TMPs’ conceptualization of disease (cancer) is shifting and providing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge remains limited, most of which is based on traditional beliefs. Collaboration with orthodox doctors may shift the knowledge gaps and belief systems of TMPs for the good of their communities. Public health messages to prevent cancer in the communities as well as improve on TMPs’ early patient referral and management may need to demystify some of the TMP’s beliefs and misconceptions.