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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research

Acculturation and use of traditional medicine among African migrant women in Sydney: a mixed method study

Authors: Zewdneh Shewamene, Tinashe Dune, Caroline A. Smith

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

More than 80% of the African population depend on traditional medicine as a primary healthcare. Although the African migrant community is increasing in Australia, there is no research documenting if and how African migrant communities have maintained or changed their use of traditional health practices after migration. This study aims to answer the following research questions: does acculturation influence the use of traditional medicine? and how are cultural health practices or beliefs manifested among African migrant women in Australia?

Method

A mixed methods design which involved a cross-sectional survey (n = 319) and individual interviews (n = 15) was conducted. Survey data were analysed using SPSS (version 23) and logistic regression model was used to test associations. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo 11 software to identify themes and conceptual categories in the participants’ responses. The study was informed by acculturation theory.

Result

Both the survey and the interview data indicated that cultural health practices were retained as an important form of healthcare for African migrant women in Sydney. The findings indicated that African migrants continued to use traditional medicines as part of their cultural identity and to build cohesive ethnic community to share traditional values and cultural practices. Women who relatively stayed for shorter period of time in Australia and migrated at a later age were more likely to use TM.

Conclusion

Acculturation proxy measures increased the likelihood of TM use suggesting African migrant women retain their cultural health practices in Australia and use of TM was manifested as part of their cultural identity. The findings have implications to improve the provision of culturally sensitive and responsive health services when caring for African migrant women.
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Metadata
Title
Acculturation and use of traditional medicine among African migrant women in Sydney: a mixed method study
Authors
Zewdneh Shewamene
Tinashe Dune
Caroline A. Smith
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03424-w

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