Herbal and Alternative Medicine Use in Tanzanian Adults Admitted with Hypertension-Related Diseases: A Mixed-Methods Study

Luke Smart,Amina Bougaila,Robert Peck,Stacey Langwick,Anthony Liwa,Rebecca Roediger,Hyasinta Jaka

doi:10.1155/2017/5692572

Abstract

Background Hypertension is increasingly common in sub-Saharan Africa where traditional medicine use is also common. We conducted a hospital-based, mixed-methods study to determine prevalence, pattern, and correlates of herbal and alternative medicine use in Tanzanian adults hospitalized with hypertension. Methods A standardized questionnaire was administered. In-depth interviews were performed on a subset of participants. Factors associated with herbal medicine use were determined by logistic regression. The association between traditional medicine uses and allopathic medication adherence was determined using ordinal logistic regression. Qualitative data were analyzed according to grounded theory. Results Of 213 adults enrolled, 52 (24.4%) reported using herbs during the previous month and 47 (22.1%) reported concurrent use of herbs and allopathic medicines. Lower educational level, nonprofessional employment, and lack of health insurance were significantly associated with herbal medicine use. Alternative medicines use was not associated with lower medication adherence. Qualitative interviews identified several important themes including reasons for herbal medicine use. Conclusion The use of traditional medicines is very common among patients with hypertension. Adults from low socioeconomic status, those with misunderstandings about hypertension, and those without health insurance were more likely to take herbs. Open, nonjudgmental communication between healthcare workers and patients regarding use of traditional medicines must be encouraged in Africa.

Highlights

Hypertension is increasingly common in sub-Saharan Africa where traditional medicine use is common
Of adults with hypertension in Tanzania, only ∼35% are aware of their diagnosis, ∼5% are on treatment, and ∼1% are controlled [3]
Between April 1 and October 1, 377 adults were hospitalized to the medical wards of Bugando Medical Centre with hypertension-related diseases

Summary

Introduction

Hypertension is increasingly common in sub-Saharan Africa where traditional medicine use is common. We conducted a hospital-based, mixed-methods study to determine prevalence, pattern, and correlates of herbal and alternative medicine use in Tanzanian adults hospitalized with hypertension. Factors associated with herbal medicine use were determined by logistic regression. The association between traditional medicine uses and allopathic medication adherence was determined using ordinal logistic regression. The burden of hypertension is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) [1], with an age-standardized prevalence of ∼40% in adults over 25 years of age [2]. Of adults with hypertension in Tanzania, only ∼35% are aware of their diagnosis, ∼5% are on treatment, and ∼1% are controlled [3]. In the current study we used terms “herbal” to describe traditional medicine that is derived from plants and “alternative medicine” to describe other traditional medicines

Results

Discussion

Conclusion