Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Hypertension Patients in Nepal

Abstract

ailments including hypertension since it is becoming a public health challenge as it is one of the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Positive outcomes can be achieved only through modification of life style and adoption of different modalities in order to control hypertension. However, there lacks evidences on behavioral risk factors, patterns and factors influencing CAM use in Nepal. The purpose of the study was to determine use of CAM among hypertension patients in Nepal.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using two hundred forty six purposively selected hypertension patients, who attended in free health camp conducted by Chandranigahpur Hospital from September to October. Information was gathered on the socio-demographic, clinical characteristics, risk behaviors, CAM use using interviewee guided structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to describe characteristics of study sample. Bivariate analysis by Chi-square test was used to make comparisons between CAM users and non-users. Multivariable analysis was performed by using logistic regression to identify independent predictor for CAM use where p-value equal to or less than 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results: Out of 242 participants, 94(38.8%) reported using CAM for management of hypertension; majority of them were using Ayurveda (68%), bitter gourd (71.2%), Neem (50%), Fenugreek (41.4%) and Basil Leaf (40.4%). There was significant difference among participants in income level, residence status, risk behaviors, SBP, DBP and BMI while comparing between CAM users and non-users.

Conclusion: Hypertension patients with behavioral risk factors and blood pressure above prehypertension level were using wide variety of CAM modalities concurrently with conventional medicines. Therefore, both patients and doctor should be educated about potential risks of herb drug interactions and adverse effects and the health services should be provided from same umbrella through integrated approach for welfare of patients.

Keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine, Hypertension, Nepal