Use of Traditional Medicine by HIV Patients in South Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Peltzer Karl, Preez Natalie Friend-du, Ramlagan Shandir, Fomundam Henry
Primary Institution: Health Systems Research Unit, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess the use of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) for HIV patients prior to initiating antiretroviral therapy.
Conclusion
Traditional herbal therapies and TCAM are commonly used by HIV treatment naïve outpatients of public health facilities in South Africa.
Supporting Evidence
- 51.3% of participants used TCAM for HIV in the past six months.
- 90% of participants reported their healthcare provider was unaware of their herbal therapy use.
- Herbal therapies were primarily used for pain relief (87.1%) and stress relief (77.6%).
- TCAM use was associated with being on a disability grant and fewer clinic visits.
Takeaway
Many people with HIV in South Africa use traditional medicine to help with their health, often without telling their doctors.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study using systematic sampling to interview 618 HIV-positive patients from outpatient departments in three hospitals.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias and reluctance of participants to disclose TCAM use.
Limitations
The findings may not be generalizable to HIV treatment naïve patients outside the Uthukela health district or those under 18 years of age.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 618 Black African (mostly Zulu) HIV-positive patients, 29.1% male and 70.9% female, aged 18 to 67 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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