Open AccessA Mixed Questionnaire Study on Prayer as Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Ghana
Author(s) -
Raphael Nyarkotey Obu,
Lawrencia Aggrey–Bluwey
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of complementary and alternative medical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2456-6276
DOI - 10.9734/jocamr/2021/v16i430309
Subject(s) - prayer , naturopathy , medicine , alternative medicine , complementary medicine , health care , referral , family medicine , traditional medicine , law , political science , philosophy , pathology , religious studies
Background: Prayer is paramount in the spiritual welfare and development of an individual. Interestingly, prayer is also considered as a form of complementary alternative medicine and is employed in primary healthcare delivery.
Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of prayer in primary healthcare delivery as a form of complementary healthcare. This study also investigates why patients opt for prayer as an alternative to standard medical care and ultimately to review the scientific aspect of prayer in medicine.
Methods: The study incorporates a mixed methods study with integrated data analysis. The respondents in this study were selected practitioners of Naturopathic Medicine with pastoral background, who belong to the Association of Naturopathic Medicine Practitioners in Ghana.
Results: Patients and complementary and alternative medicine practitioners alike in Ghana believe that prayer is very important to aid recovery and hence, plays an integral role as complementary medicine in healthcare.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that there is a role of prayer as complementary alternative medicine in primary healthcare delivery. We therefore hold the view that, pastors at the prayer camps should be well educated in basic medical sciences to enable an effective referral pathway to the standard medical centers.