Herbal Medicine Use Among Adults: A 2021 Study

Greg Howard
15th August, 2024

Herbal Medicine Use Among Adults: A 2021 Study

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • In Omdurman, Sudan, 85.9% of adults reported using herbal medicine, showing a very high prevalence
  • Commonly used herbal remedies include peppermint, acacia, hibiscus, ginger, and fenugreek
  • Beliefs in the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines, along with gender, significantly influence their usage
The use of herbal medicine has a long history in Sudan and remains widely practiced among the general population. However, there is a notable lack of studies examining the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of herbal medicine usage in Sudan. A recent study conducted by the University of Khartoum aimed to bridge this gap by investigating these aspects among Sudanese adults residing in Omdurman[1]. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design between January and February 2021. Using systematic and simple random sampling methods, data were collected from 381 participants through a structured questionnaire. This questionnaire covered socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of herbal medicine, usage patterns, commonly used herbal remedies, and sources of information and procurement. The study also examined correlations between socio-demographic factors, cultural beliefs, and herbal medicine usage. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS, with associations assessed via chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, and binary logistic regression. The results revealed that 85.9% of participants reported using herbal medicine, highlighting a very high prevalence. Commonly used remedies included peppermint, acacia, hibiscus, ginger, and fenugreek. Chi-square and Fisher's exact testing indicated that gender and beliefs in the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines were significantly associated with their usage (pā€‰<ā€‰0.05). Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis identified the perception of herbal medicine's safety as an independent predictor of its usage (p-value 0.038). These findings align with earlier studies conducted in different regions. For instance, a study in Malaysia found that 33.9% of respondents used herbal medicines, with usage influenced by personal attributes and opinions[2]. Another study in Turkey reported a 29% prevalence of herbal medicine use among patients with chronic diseases, noting that usage was higher among females[3]. Similarly, a study in Morocco found that 50.7% of patients with kidney disease used herbal medicines, often due to beliefs in their efficacy and easy access[4]. The high prevalence of herbal medicine usage in Sudan underscores the need for further studies to explore their safety and efficacy. Previous research has shown that while herbal medicines are popular, they can also pose risks if not used correctly. For example, the Moroccan study highlighted the use of potentially harmful herbs like Aristolochia longa, which can cause kidney damage[4]. Therefore, the integration of herbal medicine into mainstream healthcare practices and policies should be approached cautiously, ensuring that patients are well-informed about the benefits and risks. Moreover, the study from the University of Khartoum emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural beliefs and socio-demographic factors in promoting safe herbal medicine practices. This is consistent with the findings from Africa, where traditional medicine coexists with modern medicine, and efforts are being made to bridge the gap between the two systems[5]. In conclusion, the study conducted by the University of Khartoum highlights the widespread use of herbal medicine among Sudanese adults and the significant role of cultural beliefs in its usage. These findings prompt further research to ensure the safe and effective integration of herbal medicine into healthcare practices. By understanding the predictors and patterns of herbal medicine use, healthcare providers can better guide patients and improve overall health outcomes.

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References

Main Study

1) The prevalence of herbal medicine among Sudanese adults: a cross-sectional study 2021.

Published 14th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04584-1

Related Studies

2) Herbal medicines: prevalence and predictors of use among Malaysian adults.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2008.04.008

3) Herbal medicine use among patients with chronic diseases.

https://doi.org/10.5455/jice.20150623090040

4) Prevalence of herbal medicine use among patients with kidney disease: A cross-sectional study from Morocco.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nephro.2019.01.007

5) Trends and challenges of traditional medicine in Africa.

https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.5


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