Recourse to Pediatric Traditional Healers in Morocco: Findings from a Survey of 500 Families.

BACKGROUND:Traditional medicine plays a central role in Morocco, particularly in rural and disadvantaged communities where access to modern healthcare remains limited. Among traditional healers, those specializing in pediatrics, known as ferraguas, are frequently consulted during infancy and childhood. This study aimed to determine the frequency of recourse to pediatric traditional healers, identify associated determinants, and describe the profiles of families involved. METHODS:We conducted a prospective survey among 500 parents of children presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department of the Children's Hospital of Rabat between October 1 and November 15, 2023. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, reasons for consulting traditional healers, symptoms managed, practices employed, family satisfaction, and awareness of associated risks. Data were analyzed using Jamovi 2.5; chi-square tests were applied to assess associations (p < 0.05). RESULTS:Of the 500 families surveyed, 295 (59 %) reported consulting a pediatric traditional healer. Consultations were primarily initiated by mothers (79.7 %) and grandmothers (14.9 %). Recourse to pediatric traditional healers increased with caregiver age (30 % among those aged 17-25 years, 58 % among those aged 26-45 years, 74 % among those aged 46-55 years, and 69 % among those aged ≥55 years; p < 0.001), rural residence (75.9 % vs. 47 % in urban areas, p < 0.001), and lower educational level (77 % among parents with no schooling vs. 29 % with higher education, p < 0.001). The most common reasons for consultation were lower cost (27 %) and limited access to modern healthcare (21 %). The most frequent conditions managed included respiratory disorders (26 %), fever (20 %), cranial deformities (19 %), and persistent crying (17 %). Unidentified herbal mixtures were administered in 44 % of cases, and although 61 % of parents expressed satisfaction, only 40 % of respondents were aware of potential risks. CONCLUSION:Recourse to traditional pediatric healers remains highly prevalent in Morocco and is strongly associated with rural residence, low educational attainment, and older caregiver age. These findings highlight the need to strengthen caregiver health education, particularly in underserved regions, given the limited awareness of potential risks observed in this study.