This study examines how traditional health practices influence community responses to infectious diseases in Lagos State, Nigeria, using the health belief model as its theoretical framework. A mixed-method approach collected data from 450 residents across three Local Government Areas through surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions.

Findings reveal that 72.7% of respondents use herbal remedies, while 44.0% consult traditional healers as their first point of care during illness. This preference often delays biomedical treatment by 4-7 days, with 43.3% of exclusive traditional medicine users presenting with severe disease complications. However, respondents who combined traditional and orthodox treatments achieved 93.4% recovery rates, comparable to those using biomedical care alone. Statistical analysis confirmed significant relationships between traditional practices and health-seeking behaviours, treatment compliance, and disease outcomes.

The study concludes that integrating traditional and biomedical health systems through formal collaboration, practitioner training, and culturally sensitive interventions could improve infectious disease control in Lagos State while respecting community health values and promoting system synergy.