Addressing communication dynamics in traditional medicine use disclosure to physicians
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine
| Field | Value | |
| Title | Addressing communication dynamics in traditional medicine use disclosure to physicians | |
| Creator | Gumede, Lindiwe | |
| Description | Background: Although traditional medicine (TM) has historically been marginalised within the allopathic medicine (AM) systems and policy frameworks, it remains a core component of healthcare-seeking behaviour among South Africans. However, communication regarding TM use between patients and physicians is often inhibited by cultural stigma, trust deficits and isolated systems.Aim: This study explored physicians’ perceptions of communication dynamics influencing TM disclosure, guided by communication privacy management (CPM) theory.Setting: The study setting was four district hospitals with outpatient departments in Gauteng province.Methods: This qualitative descriptive study collected data from 14 physicians through semi-structured interviews. The findings were inductively analysed using open and axial coding, with CPM theory serving as a sensitising framework.Results: Four interrelated themes aligned with CPM theory’s core concepts: (1) disclosure practices, (2) facilitation of collaboration, (3) managing disclosed information and (4) challenges in non-disclosure. Physicians reported that patients regulate TM disclosure according to trust, perceived judgement and cultural norms. Respectful, non-judgemental communication fostered openness, whereas dismissive attitudes reinforced secrecy.Conclusion: Communication privacy management theory provided a valuable lens for understanding physicians’ perceptions of privacy management within South Africa’s dual healthcare context. Disclosure of TM is a relational and culturally mediated process shaped by social trust and institutional dynamics.Contribution: The study contributes theoretically by extending CPM theory to a multicultural and interprofessional setting; methodologically by illustrating its use as a sensitising framework for analysing healthcare communication; and practically by identifying strategies such as cultural humility training, structured disclosure frameworks and collaboration between TM and AM practitioners that can strengthen transparency and patient-centred care. | |
| Publisher | AOSIS | |
| Date | 2026-01-27 | |
| Identifier | 10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5177 | |
| Source | African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine; Vol 18, No 1 (2026); 9 pages 2071-2936 2071-2928 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Relation |
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https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/5177/9007
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/5177/9008
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/5177/9009
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/5177/9015
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/5177/9016
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/5177/9017
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/5177/9010
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