Abstract:
Background: Traditional medicine use is practiced globally as a complementary medicine
by type 2 diabetic patients and our country is among regions with higher traditional
medicine use. However, there has not been a hospital-based study done in the region to
assess its utilization among type 2 diabetic patients. To adopt traditional medicine either
by integrating it into health system or traditional healers; understanding its practice,
including forms used, reasons to practice and associated factors has paramount
significance.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated to traditional medicine use
as a complementary or alternative medicine among type 2 diabetic patients following up in
Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital from April 30, 2023 to June
15, 2023.
Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study design was employed among 438type
2 diabetic patients at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital. Data
was collected using a questionnaire and the collected data was analyzed using mean,
frequency, percent, as well as bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated. A p-value < 0.05 was considered
statistically significant.
Result: Of the 438 respondents, 161 (36.76%, 95% CI: 0.32-0.41) reported using
traditional medicine, with herbal medicine being the most utilized (98.14%, n=158).
Trigonella foenumgraecum (42.6%, n=106) and Moringa stenoptela (30.9%, n=77) were
the most commonly used herbs. Most participants’ reason to use traditional medicine was
peer pressure (68.32%, n=110) followed by dissatisfaction with modern medicine (31.68%,
n=51). Significantly associated factors were age≥50 (AOR=3.29, 95%CI:1.94-5.58),
female sex (AOR=2.11, 95%CI:1.28-3.49), educational level diploma and above
(AOR=3.86, 95%CI:2.14-6.98), being married (AOR=0.47, 95%CI:0.23-0.94) and
presence of diabetic complication (AOR=2.78, 95%CI:1.22-6.30).
Conclusion: More than one third of patients with type 2 diabetes use traditional medicine.
A positive association was noted between traditional medicine use and some of the
independent variables like older age, female sex, having higher educational status, being
married and presence of diabetic complication. Health education programs regarding
cautious traditional medicine utilization are recommended and need to be tailored taking
these factors in to consideration.
