Metallic mercury use by South African traditional health practitioners: perceptions and practices.
BACKGROUND
Mercury is a toxic metal however its use in traditional healthcare systems remains widespread. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of mercury use by South African Traditional Health Practitioners (THP) and to document reasons for use and administration methods.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 201 THPs were enrolled from two main metropolitan areas of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), and 198 were included in the final analysis. Information on demographic characteristics, reasons for using or not using mercury as well as mercury administration methods were collected.


RESULTS
Of the 198 THPs, 78 (39%) used mercury for healing purposes and 74 (95%) of the mercury users stated that they were taught to use it by another THP. The two main routes of administration were oral and sub-cutaneous implantations (ukugcaba) at 85% (n = 66) and 59% (n = 46), respectively. The most common responses for mercury administration were for child birth (n = 70; 90%) and protection against guns (n = 39; 50%).


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to describe the prevalence and practice of mercury use in South African traditional medicine. Socio-cultural mercury use is a potential source of exposure to both THPs and their patients. In light of such findings, public education messages and regulatory measures need to be effected.
HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa. renee.street@mrc.ac.za.|Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. renee.street@mrc.ac.za.
Renée A
RA
Street
Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa. gaetan.kabera@mrc.ac.za.
Gaëtan M
GM
Kabera
Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa. cconnolly205@gmail.com.
Catherine
C
Connolly
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional / Q000523:psychology*; D008628:Mercury / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D013019:South Africa; D055815:Young Adult
D008628:Mercury