Utilization of traditional bone settings and associated factors among residents of Dilla town, Gedeo zone, in southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction: The traditional bone setting involves specialization in traditional medicine that passes from father to child; however, some nonfamily members receive training via apprenticeship. Despite serious health complications, the level and determinant factors have been poorly explored in Ethiopia, particularly in Dilla Town, Gedeo Zone, SNNPR, and Ethiopia. Objective: This study aimed to assess the utilization of traditional bone settingsand associated factors in Dilla Town, 2019. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of the town of Dilla with a history of sustained trauma. The data were subsequently entered into EPidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Descriptive findings are reported as frequencies and percentages, and logistic regression analysis was used to assess the factors associated with the utilization of traditional bone settling. Odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence limits were computed, and ap value < 0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant association. Result-The study showed that the magnitude of traditional bone-setting utilization was 39.8%. Males were 4.95 times more likely to use traditional bone settings [AOR=4.95, 95% CI=2.28-10.71]. Respondents with no formal education were [AOR=23.87, 95% CI=12.34-46.17]; those residing more than 2 km away from the health facility were [AOR=4.39, 95% CI=2.32-8.33]; those who had no bleeding from the trauma site were [AOR=12.46, 95% CI= 5.86- 26.49]; and those with a monthly income of 1001-2000 were more likely to utilize traditional bone settings. Conclusion-A significant number of residents used traditional bone settings, and educational attainment, distance from health facilities, and open injury significantly increased the likelihood of using traditional bone settings.