Bridging Traditional and Modern Health Systems: The Role of Digital Health in Traditional Medicine Integration in Nigeria.

This study explores the integration of traditional medicine into Nigerias digital health ecosystem, focusing on perspectives from patients, traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs), and medical doctors. Recognizing the enduring role of traditional medicine in Nigerian healthcare, the research assesses the feasibility and readiness for its digital relevance. Employing a mixed-methods approach, surveys were conducted among 200 patients, 50 TMPs, and 50 medical doctors across southwestern Nigeria. Data collection emphasized demographics, awareness, usage patterns, and attitudes toward digital-traditional integration. Findings indicate that 52% of patients are aware of digital health platforms, with 41% utilising them, primarily mobile health applications. Notably, 68% expressed willingness to engage with TMPs via digital platforms, citing convenience, easy access and cost-effectiveness as primary motivators. Among TMPs, 42% are aware of digital health platforms, yet only 19% have adopted them, hindered by limited digital literacy and infrastructural challenges. Nevertheless, 60% showed openness to digital consultations, recognizing potential benefits like broader patient reach. Medical doctors exhibited high digital health awareness (85%), with 70% actively using such tools. However, only 34% support integrating traditional medicine into modern healthcare, citing concerns over standardization, quackery and efficacy. The study concludes that while patients and TMPs demonstrate readiness for digital integration, significant barriers persist, including infrastructural limitations and concerns from medical professionals. Addressing these challenges necessitates targeted training for TMPs, robust regulatory frameworks, and collaborative efforts to bridge traditional and modern medical practices. Such integration holds promise for enhancing healthcare accessibility and delivering holistic patient care in Nigeria.