BACKGROUND:
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancers are increasing rapidly in Ethiopia, driven by demographic transitions, urbanization, and lifestyle changes. Alongside biomedical care, integrative, complementary, and traditional health practices (ICTHPs) remain widely utilized, reflecting cultural heritage, accessibility, and community trust in indigenous knowledge. Despite their widespread use, limited systematic research has examined their role in NCD prevention and management within Ethiopia’s public health context.

METHODS:
This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of national health survey data and hospital records with qualitative interviews among patients, traditional healers, and healthcare providers across diverse Ethiopian regions. Comparative analysis was conducted to assess prevalence, determinants of utilization, and perceived outcomes of ICTHPs in relation to conventional medical care.

RESULTS:
Findings indicate that ICTHPs are particularly common in rural and peri-urban communities, where herbal remedies, spiritual healing, dietary practices, and physical therapies are frequently employed. Patients often combine traditional approaches with biomedical treatment, citing affordability, accessibility, and cultural resonance. While some practices demonstrate potential benefits in symptom management, lifestyle modification, and patient adherence, challenges remain regarding scientific validation, regulation, and integration with formal health systems. Healthcare providers expressed cautious openness to collaboration, emphasizing the need for evidence-based frameworks to ensure safety and efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS:
ICTHPs play a significant role in Ethiopia’s response to NCDs, offering opportunities for culturally grounded and community-driven interventions. However, unregulated reliance on traditional practices without scientific oversight poses risks to patient safety. To harness their potential, Ethiopia should invest in research, establish regulatory frameworks, foster collaboration between biomedical and traditional practitioners, and align ICTHP integration with broader public health and universal health coverage goals