Herbal and Alternative Medicine Use in Tanzanian Adults Admitted with Hypertension-Related Diseases: A Mixed-Methods Study
Joint Authors
Liwa, Anthony
Jaka, Hyasinta
Roediger, Rebecca
Bougaila, Amina
Smart, Luke
Langwick, Stacey
Peck, Robert
Source
International Journal of Hypertension
Issue
Vol. 2017, Issue 2017 (31 Dec. 2017), pp.1-9, 9 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2017-05-28
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
9
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Hypertension is increasingly common in sub-Saharan Africa where traditional medicine use is also common.
We conducted a hospital-based, mixed-methods study to determine prevalence, pattern, and correlates of herbal and alternative medicine use in Tanzanian adults hospitalized with hypertension.
Methods.
A standardized questionnaire was administered.
In-depth interviews were performed on a subset of participants.
Factors associated with herbal medicine use were determined by logistic regression.
The association between traditional medicine uses and allopathic medication adherence was determined using ordinal logistic regression.
Qualitative data were analyzed according to grounded theory.
Results.
Of 213 adults enrolled, 52 (24.4%) reported using herbs during the previous month and 47 (22.1%) reported concurrent use of herbs and allopathic medicines.
Lower educational level, nonprofessional employment, and lack of health insurance were significantly associated with herbal medicine use.
Alternative medicines use was not associated with lower medication adherence.
Qualitative interviews identified several important themes including reasons for herbal medicine use.
Conclusion.
The use of traditional medicines is very common among patients with hypertension.
Adults from low socioeconomic status, those with misunderstandings about hypertension, and those without health insurance were more likely to take herbs.
Open, nonjudgmental communication between healthcare workers and patients regarding use of traditional medicines must be encouraged in Africa.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Liwa, Anthony& Roediger, Rebecca& Jaka, Hyasinta& Bougaila, Amina& Smart, Luke& Langwick, Stacey…[et al.]. 2017. Herbal and Alternative Medicine Use in Tanzanian Adults Admitted with Hypertension-Related Diseases: A Mixed-Methods Study. International Journal of Hypertension،Vol. 2017, no. 2017, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1167380
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Liwa, Anthony…[et al.]. Herbal and Alternative Medicine Use in Tanzanian Adults Admitted with Hypertension-Related Diseases: A Mixed-Methods Study. International Journal of Hypertension No. 2017 (2017), pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1167380
American Medical Association (AMA)
Liwa, Anthony& Roediger, Rebecca& Jaka, Hyasinta& Bougaila, Amina& Smart, Luke& Langwick, Stacey…[et al.]. Herbal and Alternative Medicine Use in Tanzanian Adults Admitted with Hypertension-Related Diseases: A Mixed-Methods Study. International Journal of Hypertension. 2017. Vol. 2017, no. 2017, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1167380
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1167380