AN INSIGHT INTO THE USE OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES AMONG PATIENTS WITH ATOPIC ECZEMA IN CENTRAL DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

Background: Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are increasingly popular globally with frequent use
 amongst patients with atopic eczema (AE). Despite increased AE prevalence in South Africa (SA), no local data on
 CAM-use for this disease exists.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study utilizing a comprehensive questionnaire qualifying and quantifying CAM use in
 patients with AE. We interviewed 206 AE patients; 106 from a public hospital dermatology clinic and 100 from private
 dermatology practices in central Durban. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) compared means of continuous
 predictors across 3 or more groups. Differences in frequencies of categorical explanatory variables by CAM and AE
 were assessed using Pearson chi-square (χ2) test or Fishers exact test.
 Results: There were 143 children, 63 adults; 163 females and 43 males. Races represented were Black (56%), Indian
 (33%), Coloured (6%) and White (4%). 135(66%) reported current or previous CAM use. Common reasons were
 family/friends’ recommendations (42%) and media-influence (23%). Frequently used CAMs were vitamins (35%),
 aromatherapy oils (27%), herbal creams (26%), traditional African medicines (23%) and homeopathy (19%). Nondisclosure
 to the dermatologist was high (59%). Almost half (48%) said they were not questioned about CAM use.
 More Indian patients used CAM (p=0.001) and Muslims were most frequent CAM users (p=0.044). Although not
 statistically significant, the more educated and higher income bracket used CAM more. 28% felt CAM had fewer sideeffects,
 28% felt it was safer than conventional medicine and 35% felt CAM was more natural.
 Conclusion: The detailed trends of CAM use by South Africans for AE is an important addition to the current
 literature. Dermatologists and healthcare professionals addressing patients with AE need to be more familiar with CAM
 types that patients may explore as this could impact on the overall clinical outcome.