Claire Sawyer L&S Social Sciences
Factors Affecting Traditional Medicine Usage in Fiji
Why do communities use traditional medicine? My research will investigate whether high rates of Traditional Medicine (TM) in Oceania, specifically Fiji, are due to lack of trust in modern healthcare or lack of education. Colonial and imperial histories have long contributed to hesitancy to receive healthcare, which I hypothesize catalyzes communities to shift to traditional healthcare as a reactionary measure. The study includes field research in Suva, Fiji, a postcolonial nation, where I’ll survey patients at a variety of STI Clinics and analyze their responses in order to provide a holistic analysis of the factors affecting traditional medicine use.
Message To Sponsor
I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for the support you provided through the SURF fellowship. This experience was transformative for me, as I balanced clinical research in Fiji with my independent study on traditional medicine. It allowed me to deeply connect with my patients and understand their perspectives, which has significantly influenced my growth as both a scholar and a person. The insights I gained have solidified my commitment to pursuing a future that is focused on integrative global health in the medical field, and I feel more confident in the direction I’m headed.
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
Mentor: Deborah Dean
Sponsor: Shin Morgan