Traditional and modern practitioners' perceptions on traditional medicine use in reproductive health among the Khoisan of Zimbabwe.

Background: Traditional health systems often serve as the first point of contact for reproductive health issues in rural areas of Zimbabwe. Khoisan people rarely use contemporary health facilities for therapy, as herbal treatments are an essential component of their culture. Aim: This study aimed to explore the Perceptions of Traditional and modern practitioners regarding the use of traditional medicine in reproductive health among the Khoisan of Zimbabwe. Methods: A phenomenological study was conducted withto fifteen purposively selected health professionals, which includied nurses, doctors, and environmental health technicians, as well as snowballed twenty six traditional health practitioners, who responded to unstructured interviews openly on sensitive reproductive topics. Data were collected using a tape recorder, transcribed, and then thematically analysed using MAXQDA. Results: The collected and evaluated data revealed seven key themes and twenty-three subcategory themes. The key themes associated with the use of traditional medicine in reproductive health among the Khoisan people of Bulilima and Tsholotsho Districts were as follows: Types of traditional medicines, Administration and Preparation Techniques, Reproductive Practices, Knowledge Transmission, Perceived Efficacy and Safety, Research and Education. Conclusion: The Khoisan people of Zimbabwe rely heavily on traditional medicine to treat sexually transmitted diseases, control pregnancy, and engage in sexual behaviors. The administration of these herbs vary from topical, oral and steam baths in dealing with health outcomes. An ethnographic study should be conducted to determine the hidden constituents that are not limited to common herbs.