Some Esan-Nigeria indigenous knowledge models in the service of social medicine

Résumé

Indigenous Knowledge Models (IKM) is a spin-off of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). These models in Esan have synonymous status with peculiar universals which are religiously respected. In contemporary times, knowledge has grown to the extent that there is often a general assumption that such models are somewhat infantile and without empirical and medical basis. It is within this cusp that this paper evolves. The ethnographic method of inquiry was primarily relied on to provide data in this study and it included interviews, observational techniques, questions and answers sessions, and a literature search. Fifty (50) persons out of which thirty were elders and the others young and old adults were respondents.  Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were elicited and analyzed.  Findings reveal that although the people believe in multiple variables in illness causation, and that there are spiritual connections in physical illnesses, there are also physical illnesses that are avertable if good health habits are practiced. It is therefore suggested that the understanding of indigenous knowledge models will be of great benefit to healthcare practitioners in evolving apt policies in the services of community dwellers.