Parents’ Expectations and Satisfaction Regarding the Choice of Treatment for Anemia in Children: Blood Transfusion Versus Herbal Remedies: a Study Conducted In Kisangani, Democratic Republic Of The Congo.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/g9py3243Cuvinte cheie:
Anemia treatment, Blood transfusion, Medicinal plants, Traditional medicine, Modern medicine, Treatment choiceRezumat
Anemia is a major public health problem, affecting approximately two billion people worldwide, particularly children, pregnant women, and the elderly, especially in developing countries. Blood transfusion is the standard of care for severe cases, but access to it remains limited. Medicinal plants, deeply rooted in local traditions, appear to offer an alternative, despite the lack of scientific standardization.
This qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was conducted in Kisangani (DRC) between April 2024 and June 2025 with seven parents of children with anemia, selected according to specific criteria. Data were collected through unstructured interviews. The participants were all women, aged 33 to 62, with the majority in the 39–49 age group. Thematic saturation was reached by the seventh interview.
The parents interviewed unanimously affirmed that their children’s health had improved thanks to blood transfusions or medicinal plants. The level of satisfaction expressed was high, despite constraints related to accessibility (cost, distance, and product storage). The availability of local plants and hospital services was highlighted.
The results show overall acceptance of the treatments’ effectiveness, reflecting both cultural perceptions and practical experiences. Parents recommend that other families trust treatments for anemia and follow therapeutic guidelines. This study highlights the need for a complementary approach combining modern and traditional medicine to improve the management of childhood anemia.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Franck Dimoke Okito, Marie-Claire Omanyondo Ohambe, Mukandu Basua Babintu, Emmanuel Kitete Mulongo, Jean-Paul Ngbolua Koto-Te-Nyiwa, Cynthia Mondaka Ngolu, Ahuka Longombe Nono, Guylain Botamba Abibo, Jean-Marc Aninge Memeyo
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