Title:
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE DEMAND FOR HERBAL MEDICINES IN SOUTH-WESTERN REGION OF NIGERIA

Authors:
Yemi Meroyi* and Richard Eguabor, Nigeria

Abstract:
This study examined the socio economic impact of the demand for herbal medicines in SouthWestern region of Nigeria. Three states were randomly selected out of the six states in the SouthWest, Nigeria. These are Ekiti, Ondo, and Osun states. Two local governments were randomly selected from each state and three communities selected from each of the local governments. Convenience sampling method was used to arrive at our sample size of 1,224 with 204 respondents randomly selected from each local government area (LGA). Data gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistics while bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were carried out to establish the relationship between the semi-structured questionnaires with E-views 12 package. Key findings revealed that 815 respondents representing 74% agreed that doctors’ industrial action was one of the reasons for the demand for herbal medicine. The adjusted odd ratio (AOR) of 1.51* (8.25-11.43) at 95% confidence intervals from the logit regression revealed that doctors’ strike has a significant effect on demand for herbal medicine. The impact of cost on demand for herbal medicine was affirmed by 693 respondents and was statistically significant with AOR 2.38* (1.02- 5.59). Effectiveness/potency of herbal medicines was alluded to by 71% of the respondents having AOR 2.22*(6.07-9.72). It was also evidenced in the study that poverty is a determinant of demand for herbal medicine as only 28% of respondents whose income are above N50,000 demands herbal medicines and 63% of respondents affirmed that they could not afford the cost of orthodox healthcare with AOR 2.38* (1.02-5.59). Availability of herbal medicine has effect on increasing demand for it as 64% of the respondents confirmed availability and accessibility of it having AOR 1.00* (2.22-2.91). The study concluded that Socio-economic factors such as doctors’ strike actions, low education, low income, distance to health facilities and the attitude of health workers contribute to high demand for Herbal Medicine in the South-West States of Nigeria.