The Economics of Moringa oleifera use by people living with .HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Moringa and Nutraceutical Research Society
Abstract
Despite widespread use and belief in the efficacy and affordability of Moringa plant among users, and anecdotes of its utility in treating HVI in Africa, little is known of the actual economics and attitudes to the use of Moringa oleifera for therapeutic benefits among People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Kwara State, Nigeria. To fill this knowledge gap, the present study randomly sampled 167 respondents comprised exclusively of PLWHA who use the Moringa plant for therapeutic purpose in Kwara State, Nigeria. A questionnaire was designed and administered on the respondents in the study area. Findings revealed that respondents show a positive attitude to the use of the moringa plant, and the part consumed most by users is the leaf (82%). Majority of the respondents (72%) reported not paying money to have access to the plant as it is in most cases obtained free as a gift from friends and grown in the backyard. Among those who incurred cost in accessing the plant, the average amount paid was N1,163.00 (USD 7) per 200g. Respondents with higher monthly income are more likely to pay higher for the plant (p=0.07). The study concludes by recommending that clinical trials be intensified to examine the claims of the plant's therapeutic value in HVI management which underpin the relatively positive attitude towards its use by PLWHA. Furthermore, purified extract(s) of moringa phytochemicals needs to be isolated and examined for efficacy and affordability as drugs for managing HIV related pathology in PLWHA.
Description
None
Keywords
Moringa, HIV/AIDS, Affordability, Nigeria.
Citation
oleifera use by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Kwara State, Nigeria. International Journal of Moringa and Nutraceutical Research. 1: 101–112