Addressing communication dynamics in traditional medicine use disclosure to physicians

Although traditional medicine (TM) has historically been marginalised within the allopathic medicine (AM) systems and policy frameworks, it remains a core component of healthcare-seeking behaviour among South Africans. However, communication regarding TM use between patients and physicians is often inhibited by cultural stigma, trust deficits and isolated systems.

This study explored physicians' perceptions of communication dynamics influencing TM disclosure, guided by communication privacy management (CPM) theory.

The study setting was four district hospitals with outpatient departments in Gauteng province.

This qualitative descriptive study collected data from 14 physicians through semi-structured interviews. The findings were inductively analysed using open and axial coding, with CPM theory serving as a sensitising framework.

Four interrelated themes aligned with CPM theory's core concepts: (1) disclosure practices, (2) facilitation of collaboration, (3) managing disclosed information and (4) challenges in non-disclosure. Physicians reported that patients regulate TM disclosure according to trust, perceived judgement and cultural norms. Respectful, non-judgemental communication fostered openness, whereas dismissive attitudes reinforced secrecy.

Communication privacy management theory provided a valuable lens for understanding physicians' perceptions of privacy management within South Africa's dual healthcare context. Disclosure of TM is a relational and culturally mediated process shaped by social trust and institutional dynamics.Contribution: The study contributes theoretically by extending CPM theory to a multicultural and interprofessional setting; methodologically by illustrating its use as a sensitising framework for analysing healthcare communication; and practically by identifying strategies such as cultural humility training, structured disclosure frameworks and collaboration between TM and AM practitioners that can strengthen transparency and patient-centred care.