Abstract:
Traditional medicine still plays a bigger role in people dealing with health and disease. Research
shows that in some Asian and African countries, traditional medicine forms the primary mode of
health care for 80% of the population. This is actively promoted in South Africa and is used by at
least 70% of the country’s population. This study investigated the contributory factors leading
mental health care users to use a combination of traditional and modern medicine in rural areas.
The study was conducted using qualitative research methods. The population of this study were
MHCUs, Mental health practitioners and traditional healers. Purposive sampling was used to
select participants. Data was analyzed through a computer programme called Atlas TI. The
results revealed the following as contributory factors leading mental health care users to use
modern and traditional medicine in rural areas : cultural factor , belief in witch craft , influence by
significant others (family members and friends), poor PHC intervention and treatment method.
Recommendations to the health care practitioners and policy makers around the use of
traditional and modern medicine was made based on the findings.
