Characterizing Herbal Medicine Use for Noncommunicable Diseases in Urban South Africa

Overview

Journal Evid Based Complement Alternat Med

Specialty Rehabilitation Medicine

Date 2015 Nov 12

PMID 26557865

Citations 17

Authors

Gail D Hughes

Oluwaseyi M Aboyade

Roxanne Beauclair

Oluchi N Mbamalu

Thandi R Puoane

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Economic challenges associated with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the sociocultural outlook of many patients especially in Africa have increased dependence on traditional herbal medicines (THMs) for these diseases. A cross-sectional descriptive study designed to determine the prevalence of and reasons for THM use in the management of NCDs among South African adults was conducted in an urban, economically disadvantaged area of Cape Town, South Africa. In a cohort of 1030 participants recruited as part of the existing Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study, 456 individuals were identified. The overall prevalence of THM use was 27%, of which 61% was for NCDs. Participants used THM because of a family history (49%) and sociocultural beliefs (33%). Hypertensive medication was most commonly used concurrently with THM. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the potential dualistic use of THM and conventional drugs by patients, as this could significantly influence health outcomes. Efforts should be made to educate patients on the potential for drug/herb interactions.

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