The Perceptions of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among People with Chronic Diseases in Mwala Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: This paper sought to determine the perceptions of the nurses on complementary and alternative medicine in Machakos County, Kenya. Methodology: This was a descriptive study, it had 3 objectives: to determine the perspectives of the nurses about CAM; establish the drivers of CAM in Machakos; and to investigate the available models of CAM in Machakos. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from the patients with chronic diseases. Findings: the nurses who knew about CAM were 60%; those who had negative perspective about CAM were 68%, those who had used some CAM treatment were 50%; the patients with chronic diseases hesitance to use CAM was based on issues of safety, unknown effects of the treatment, lack of clear dosage, ethical, and quality. However, a few had used CAM for external only. Unique Contribution to Theory Policy and Practice: The study concluded that for the people with chronic diseases perspectives towards CAM and consequently the usage of CAM needs more research to establish the validity and reliability of such perspectives. The consumers of CAM should be assisted to access more accurate information as front-line consumers of CAM that will dispel concerns correct dosages, safety of the CAMs, their effectiveness, any risks and possible therapeutic values from CAMs in general. The study recommends more random and controlled pragmatic clinical trials and sharing of information and experiences by paramedics.