Traditional and Modern Medical Systems in the Batticaloa District: The Role of Cultural Factors in Patients’ Treatment Choices – A Medical Anthropological Study

This study examines the coexistence of traditional and modern medical systems in the Batticaloa District of Sri Lanka, with particular attention to the cultural factors influencing patients’ treatment choices. Healthcare in the district is characterized by medical pluralism, where indigenous healing practices, Ayurvedic medicine, and biomedical services operate alongside one another. From a medical anthropological perspective, the study explores how cultural beliefs, values, and social norms shape health-seeking behaviour. A qualitative research design was employed during the six month period from January 2025 to June 2025. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to select participants with direct experience of both traditional and modern healthcare systems. The study involved 40 participants, comprising 25 patients, 5 traditional healers, 5 Ayurvedic practitioners, and 5 biomedical professionals. Participants ranged in age from 25 to 75 years and included both male and female respondents from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and case studies. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns and themes related to treatment decision-making. The findings reveal that cultural beliefs regarding illness causation, religious practices, family influence, and trust in traditional knowledge significantly affect healthcare choices. Patients often utilize both traditional and modern medical systems depending on the nature of the illness, perceived treatment effectiveness, accessibility, and economic considerations. This demonstrates the continuing relevance of medical pluralism within the district. The study highlights the importance of cultural context in healthcare delivery and decision-making. The findings suggest that culturally sensitive healthcare policies and stronger collaboration between traditional and biomedical practitioners could enhance patient satisfaction and health outcomes. By providing insights into health-seeking behaviour within a culturally diverse setting, the study contributes to the field of medical anthropology and offers recommendations for developing more inclusive and effective healthcare systems.