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Complementary and alternative medicine use in diabetes mellitus
A O Ogbera1, O Dada, F Adeyeye
1Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. oogbera@yahoo.co.uk
West African Journal of Medicine
|July 29, 2010
Summary
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used by Nigerian patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), with biological therapies being most common. High adherence to prescribed medications was observed alongside CAM use.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in chronic disease management is globally recognized but understudied in Nigerian patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).
- Understanding CAM utilization patterns is crucial for comprehensive patient care in diabetes management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and patterns of CAM utilization among Nigerian patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM).
- To identify demographic factors associated with CAM use in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted with 263 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM).
- Data collected included biodata, DM duration, CAM usage patterns, and adherence to prescribed medications.
- Statistical analysis, including odds ratios, was used to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of CAM utilization.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of CAM usage among Nigerian diabetes mellitus (DM) patients was 46%, with a 2:1 female to male ratio.
- CAM users were significantly older than non-users (p=0.006).
- Biological-based therapies, including bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), aloe vera, garlic, and ginger, were the most commonly used forms of CAM. High adherence (94%) to prescribed medications was reported.
Conclusions:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) represents a significant aspect of diabetes mellitus (DM) management in the studied Nigerian population, particularly biological-based therapies.
- High adherence to conventional medical treatment was observed concurrently with CAM usage.
- Further research is warranted to investigate the specific impact of these CAM therapies on glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).
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