Traditional and complementary medicines usage and associated factors in gastrointestinal outpatients in Shiraz, Iran: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

BackgroundTraditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) have been widely used globally for a wide variety of conditions, but there is limited data are available on the use of T&CM in Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Shiraz, Iran, among 244 adult patients with GI disorders referred to outpatient GI clinics during April to September 2016. Data were collected by means of a valid and reliable questionnaire comprised of three sections; demographic characteristics, disorders diagnosis, and information related to T&CM. ResultsDuring the past year 36.5 % of GI patients had used at least one T&CM therapy. Of individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation, T&CM therapies were used by 51 %, 27 %, 6.74 %, and 13.5 %, respectively. There was a direct relationship between the duration of the disorders and the use of T&CM, with longer duration resulting in more T&CM use (P = 0.008). Logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals ≥ 60 years old were more likely to use T&CM use (P = 0.019), while high level of education showed reverse significant relationship (P = 0.002). Herbal medicine was the most frequently used T&CM therapy, with the most popular herbs were Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora - 60.7 %) and yellow chamomile (Cota tinctoria- 20.2 %). Most T&CM users (72 %) reported the effectiveness of T&CM in management of gastrointestinal conditions. However, 78.7 % of the patients had not consulted their physicians prior to their utilization of T&CM. ConclusionGiven the high frequency of use of T&CM in patients with GI disorders, patients and health care providers have to be educated to prevent the potential complications and guide effective and appropriate T&CM use.