Title: Quackery Practices and Its Effect on Public and Private Health Facilities, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ada Gaius PhD, Afong Isaiah Opoh, Ajayi-David, Esther Ometere
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 47-53
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
The practice of quackery and its impact on public and private health facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study. The repeated increase of unqualified medical practice in practice and its consequences on health-care delivery, patient safety and institutional performance motivated us to conduct this study. The study was guided by three specific objectives: (1) to identify forms of quackery practitioners and the basis for their continuance, (2) to assess operational characteristics, efficacy and challenges among health facilities in Nigeria, both public and private; and (3) to determine impact of quackery on patient outcome, service delivery and health facility performance. The design for the study was of a correlational survey research design. The population was 10,000 health workers in both public and private health facilities in Rivers State while a sample size of385 respondentsWere calculated using the Taro YamaneFormula. Data collection was performed using a structured questionnaire designed as (QPHFPQ) Quackery Practice and Health Facility Performance Questionnaire. Research questions were addressed by mean and standard deviation. The results showed that factor sustaining this quackery is low cost of service, easy accessibility, concept of better health through cultural beliefs and traditions, less awareness regarding health risk caused by such practitioners, vulnerability to be convinced by non-practitioner individuals generating vested interests and misinformation. The study also identified significant operational difficulties faced by public and private health facilities, including heavy workloads for staff, lack of healthcare personnel, poor funding stream, high cost of care and regulatory oversight. The survey also found that quackery delays treatment, increases complications, mortality and health worker burden, boosts costs of care and destroys public trust on the health care system. The study therefore found quackery to still be a serious impediment to effective healthcare service delivery and recommended enhanced regulation, health education, funding and tighter supervision of health facilities in the country.