Int J Soc Psychiatry. 1982 Autumn; 28(3): 203-9.

Traditional and modern psychiatry: a survey of opinions and beliefs amongst people in plateau state, Nigeria.

Akighir A.

Some aspects of traditional psychiatry were investigated in a sample of 80 Nigerians, varying in terms of sex, educational level and locality (rural or urban). The results suggest that attitudes towards traditional healers are generally favourable, that mystical causes of madness are the most popular, and that traditional healers are felt to have an important role to play in treating mad people. These conclusions apply regardless of educational level or locality.