Browsing by Author "Clemence, Kiobya"

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    Exploring the influence of market forces on Preparation and packaging of complementary and Alternative medicines for people living with HIV (plwh) in north western Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2017) Clemence, Kiobya
    This study explores the influence of market forces on preparation and packaging of complementary and alternative medicines for People Living with HIV (PLWH) in North Western Tanzania. The overriding objectives of the study are; to explore the influence of market on preparation and packaging of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) on PLWH, to map out different processes of CAM used for PLWH in the North-Western Tanzania and to identify the different sources of packaging materials used in preparation and packaging of CAM used for PLWH. The study adopts a qualitative research approach informed by a conceptual framework derived from the two-theoretical perspective of health behaviour, the health seeking behaviour theory and the political economy theory. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews (IDIs) were used as data collection techniques. The study has found out that issues of preparation and packaging of CAM for PLWH are very significant and they mean a lot to consumers and influence the market of CAM for PLWH. The study reveals that PLWH have positive perception towards CAM, but they lack adequate knowledge. PLWH have poor level of knowledge about adverse effects of CAM, including management of risky situation. It is since revealed that CAM sellers in packaging process tend to use potentially dangerous materials such materials include recycled used bottles (glass and plastics), and used cement papers. As good preparation and packaging can attract internal and external market of CAM for PLWH it is recommended that further studies be conducted in order to specifically address the issue of using CAM for PLWH. The aim is to try to establish enough knowledge on the use of CAM, its preparation and side effects. It is further recommended that further studies should consider establishing the relationships between the CAM practitioners, medical doctors and PLWH which seem to have some disconnection in their functions and thus impacting on the patients’ health.