Prevalence and Determinants of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Subjects with Hypertension in a Tertiary Centre in South East Nigeria

Objective: To study the prevalence and determinants of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with hypertension (HTN).

Methods: Two hundred and fifty patients visiting the medical outpatient Clinic at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital in Southeast Nigeria were interviewed. Information was obtained on the patients' demographics, type(s), duration, pattern and disclosure of CAM use, sources of recommendation and reasons for using CAM.

Results: The prevalence of CAM use was 4.4%. The most commonly used CAM was biologic-based therapy; bitter leaf (Vernonia amigdalina) (90.9%), Ginger (90.9%), garlic (72.7%), Cinnamon (45.5%), bitter kola (Garcinia kola) (36.4%), lemon grass (9.1%), green tea (9.1%), guava (9.1%) and mango leaves (9.1%). This was followed by manipulative and body-based (exercise and relaxation), and then spiritual method (fasting and prayer). Most subjects used CAM concurrently with orthodox medicine (63.6%), and neither knew the constituent of what they were taking (72.7%) nor revealed to their healthcare provider (HCP) that they were on CAM (81.8%). The most common reason for the non-disclosure is that the HCP will discourage them (66.7%). Most subjects used CAM to manage hypertension (54.5%).

Conclusion: A proportion of patients receiving orthodox medication for HTN also use CAM. A better treatment outcome would emanate from education of HCP and the general public on CAM use, legislation on the control of unwholesome and harmful use of CAM, and well-funded research on proven and potential CAM modalities for the benefit of humanity.