A Qualitative Study of Traditional Bone Setters in South India: A Case Series
Authors
Sharon MS-3
University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, KS
Manjulika Ph.D.
St. John’s Research Institute, Division of Health and Humanities, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, India
Hariram M.A.
The University of Trans Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology/FRLHT, Centre for Local Health Traditions and Policy, Bangalore, India
Dorothy MHSA
Office of Research, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, KS
K Ph.D.
University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, KS
Keywords:
traditional medicine, India, bone and bone tissue, orthopedics, qualitative research
Abstract
Introduction
There are approximately 60,000 Traditional Bone Setters (TBS) in India, who have no formal education or training in modern medicine but treat approximately 60% of bone related trauma. This study investigated the history of TBS, why they are so popular, and their methods.
Methods
From a list of TBS from four states in South India, a purposive and convenience sampling method identified participants. One lead TBS from each state was interviewed. With recommendations from these TBS, a total of six participants were interviewed on Zoom® in their native dialect and these interviews were transcribed into English. The data were analyzed using a constant comparative method which included several iterations to refine common themes and determine counterfactual and specific focal points from each interview.
Results
Six overarching themes emerged: (1) history of traditional bone setters, (2) occupations outside bone setting, (3) training, certification, education, accolades, (4) patient characteristics and success stories, (5) infrastructure and approach to diagnosis/treatment, and (6) limitations of practice, challenges, and social relevance. The history of traditional bone setting is thousands of years old and passed down within families generationally.
Conclusions
In rural India, where a large part of the population lives in poverty and without access to modern medicine, traditional healers provide a much-needed service, often without charge, and consequently, the income is not sufficient without other occupations such as farming. They follow a similar approach to diagnosis and treatment of simple fractures and dislocations as modern medical practitioners. Most would like to share their knowledge and collaborate with ayurvedic and allopathic practitioners and simply want to be respected and supported.
Keywords: traditional medicine, India, bone and bone tissue, orthopedics, qualitative research
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