TRADITIONAL MEDICINE USEAND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS IN HIWOT FANA COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, HARAR, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

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.