Patterns of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use, Perceived Benefits, and Adverse Effects among Adult Users in Enugu Urban, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is now on the increase. Evidence from studies carried out globally has established that CAM use is very common and varies among populations. This study investigated patterns of CAM use, perceived benefits, and associated harm with CAM use among adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three local government areas of Enugu urban, Southeast Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from all consenting adult participants aged between 18 and 65 years. Of the 732 participants interviewed, 62.8% were females while 37.2% were males. Majority (84.7%) of the participants had used CAM at one time or another. The most commonly used CAM product was the biological products, followed by spiritual therapy. The major route of administration for CAM products was oral and about 40% of the participants combined CAM with conventional medicine. Majority (78.6%) of CAM users benefited from CAM products after using them while a few complained of adverse reactions. As CAM is gaining widespread acceptance and use, there is need for clinical trial on the benefits and adverse effects associated with the use of CAM to facilitate proof of efficacy and safety of the products.

Unconventional medical practices among Ghanaian students: A university-based survey

“…This finding is congruent with previously reported discoveries in Ghana and other parts of Africa 26, 27. The major sources of the medical interventions to students include purchases from pharmacy shops and prayer/faith healers.…”

Adverse Events in Korean Traditional Medicine Hospitals: A Retrospective Medical Record Review

“…Although until now there has been no available data on the incidence of AEs in TM hospitals, this was lower than the 29.7% AE rate resulting from a broad range of TM use. 4 This can be attributed to the fact that all health-care interventions in TM hospitals are provided by qualified staff with appropriate guidance and supervision. Most AEs caused mild harm requiring no or minimal interventions.…”

“…1 Traditional medicine has been used worldwide in recent decades. [2][3][4] In response to increasing demand for TM, the World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined strategies for promoting integration of TM into national health care systems. 1,2 The WHO has emphasized systems, which support the safe and effective use of TM.…”

“…1 Previous studies on adverse events (AEs) in TM have focused on specific TM therapies or measured AEs because of a broad range of TM use. [3][4][5][6][7][8] For instance, a study in TM clinics reported a rate of 3.2 AEs per 100 acupuncture treatments. 6 Another study reported that 29.7% of TM users, including those who selfmedicate without TM practitioner guidance, had experienced AEs.…”

“…6 Another study reported that 29.7% of TM users, including those who selfmedicate without TM practitioner guidance, had experienced AEs. 4 A Korean study with voluntary reporting data showed that the highest proportion of AEs were consequences of procedures such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and physical therapy. 7 However, there is little information on the overall incidence and characteristics of AEs in TM hospitals.…”