ASSESSMENT OF TRADITIONAL HOME REMEDY USAGE AMONG PEOPLE IN HARAR, ETHIOPIA

Many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America use traditional medicine (TM) to meet some of their primary health care needs. In Ethiopia, Traditional Medicine (TM) is a part of the national heritage. Also Ethiopia is the home of many nationalities and remarkably diverse flora, including numerous endemic species that are utilized in the different traditional medical practices. Beyond the convenience, traditional home remedies have found favour with a public that wants to take a more holistic approach to its ailments. This study sought to assess the traditional home remedy usage among people in Harar, Ethiopia. The present survey covered the people residing in Kebele 6, Jugal, Harar, Ethiopia. A structured interview questionnaire based on traditional home remedy usage was distributed and face-to-face interviews were conducted. Collected data were tabulated. Among the 338 (100%) respondents, 150 (44%) were males and 188 (56%) were females. 63 (19%) respondents were between the age group of 20 – 25 years, 41 (12%) were between 26 – 30 years, 66 (19%) were between 31 – 35 years, 47 (14%) were between 36 – 40 years and the remaining 121 (36%) were 41 years and above. According to the survey conducted in Kebele 6, Jugal Harar Ethiopia, out of 338 respondents, all were using traditional home remedy. This study contributes to the documentation of the status of current traditional home remedy usage among people in Harar, Ethiopia. Although awareness among traditional home remedy usage is very essential in order to preserve the indigenous medicinal plant species