The Prevalence and the Predictors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Children on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Makurdi, Nigeria
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2014, Vol 4, Issue 33
Abstract
Aims: To determine the prevalence, the pattern of usage and the predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among children on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Study Design: Prospective, Cross-sectional and quantitative. Place and Duration of Study: Paediatric antiretroviral clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, February 2012 to December 2012. Methodology: Researchers administered structured questionnaire to 409 (102 men and 307 women) consecutively consented caregivers (CGs) whose children had been on HAART for not less than 6 months in order to fulfill the objectives of the study. Results: 79.2% (324/409) of children used CAM as reported by their CGs. The three most commonly used CAM products were herbal concoctions containing majorly Bitter leaves (317/324, 97.8%), Ugu leaves/roots (282, 87.0%) and Neem tree leaves/bark (270, 83.3%). CGs also largely administered CAM whose contents were unknown (250, 77.2%). The use of Anointed water (255, 78.7%) and Anointed Oil (245, 75.6%) were also common. Animal products including Elephant skin (12, 3.7%), Elephant bone (10, 3.1%) and Snake bone (8, 2.5%) were also acknowledged. Spiritual healing was the most sought-for practice, seen among 252 (77.8%) CGs. 3.7% (12/324) of the CGs had disclosed the use of CAM to their primary physicians. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that: the use of CAM by CGs (AOR; 33.79, 95%CI; 8.049-141.856, P=.000); when the child on HAART is of a male gender (AOR; 2.142, 95%CI; 1.230-3.730, P=.007); fathers as CGs compared to mothers (AOR; 1.698, 95%CI;1.180-2.443, P=.004); CGs with no formal education compared to when CG attained a post-secondary level of education (AOR; 1.498, 95%CI; 1.127-1.990, P=.005), remained independently associated with the use of CAM in children. Conclusions: CAM use is common in Nigerian children on HAART. Concerted efforts should be put in place to encourage disclosure among CGs. Identified harmful CAMs should be discouraged.
Authors and Affiliations
Emmanuel Adémólá Anígilájé, Ayodotun Olutola, Othniel Joseph Dabit, Usenobong Morgan Akpan, Augustine Aondohemba Agbedeh, Terkaa Terrumun Bitto
Keywords
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- EP ID EP348766
- DOI 10.9734/BJMMR/2014/10695
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