Pattern of Use of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Stroke Survivors in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Globally, use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) is highly significant among stroke patients. Stroke is the most demanding health condition in Nepal health context. As a culturally and traditionally strong country, prevalence of traditional medicine use is very high among Nepalese community. But there is no documented prevalence on TCAM use among Nepalese stroke survivors. The aim of this study is to determine prevalence and associated factors for TCAM use among stroke survivors in Nepal.

Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted by face to face interview among 426 stroke survivors in five rehabilitation centers in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2017 September to October. The survey instrument included 44 questions regarding medical characteristics of stroke survivors, use of TCAM and socio - demographic profile.

Results: Out of 426 respondents, 306 (71.8%) were man. Mean age of respondents is 58.99± 9.90. 262 stroke survivors (61.5%) completed only middle school education and less. 346 (81.2%) has no family history of stroke. 258 (58.2%) of respondents got their stroke diagnosis less than 12 months ago. Weakness of limbs is the major functional problem for stroke survivors in this study which is 359 (84.3%). The most common comorbidity is high blood pressure, 304 (71.4%). Among 426 stroke survivors, 319 (74.9%) of them used TCAM for stroke management. Praying, acupuncture, turpentine oil and herbal products were the common modalities used. Massage therapist, acupuncturist and herbalist were the most common TCAM providers. Friends and family were the main sources of information about TCAM. More than (40%) of TCAM users did not notify their doctors regarding their TCAM use. Although no sociodemographic characteristics is significantly associated with TCAM use, medical characteristics such as duration of stroke, functional problems, satisfaction with western medical treatments, duration undergone physiotherapy and perceived effectiveness of physiotherapy are significantly associated with TCAM use.

Conclusion: The findings provide a better understanding of TCAM utilization as a supplement to conventional stroke managements among stroke survivors in Nepal. Integration of TCAM therapies into modern medical system and evidence-based TCAM therapies are in urgent need for patients’ satisfaction in healthcare management.