The Prevalence and the Predictors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Children on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: To determine the prevalence, the pattern of usage and the predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among children on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Study Design: Prospective, Cross-sectional and quantitative. Place and Duration of Study: Paediatric antiretroviral clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, February 2012 to December 2012. Methodology: Researchers administered structured questionnaire to 409 (102 men and 307 women) consecutively consented caregivers (CGs) whose children had been on HAART for not less than 6 months in order to fulfill the objectives of the study. Results: 79.2% (324/409) of children used CAM as reported by their CGs. The three most commonly used CAM products were herbal concoctions containing majorly Bitter leaves (317/324, 97.8%), Ugu leaves/roots (282, 87.0%) and Neem tree leaves/bark (270, 83.3%). CGs also largely administered CAM whose contents were unknown (250, 77.2%). The use of Anointed water (255, 78.7%) and Anointed Oil (245, 75.6%) were also common. Animal products including Elephant skin (12, 3.7%), Elephant bone (10, 3.1%) and Snake bone (8, 2.5%) were also acknowledged. Spiritual healing was the most sought-for practice, seen among 252 (77.8%) CGs. 3.7% (12/324) of the CGs had disclosed the use of CAM to their primary physicians. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that: the use of CAM by CGs (AOR; 33.79, 95%CI; 8.049-141.856, P=.000); when the child on HAART is of a male gender (AOR; 2.142, 95%CI; 1.230-3.730, P=.007); fathers as CGs compared to mothers (AOR; 1.698, 95%CI;1.180-2.443, P=.004); CGs with no formal education compared to when CG attained a post-secondary level of education (AOR; 1.498, 95%CI; 1.127-1.990, P=.005), remained independently associated with the use of CAM in children. Conclusions: CAM use is common in Nigerian children on HAART. Concerted efforts should be put in place to encourage disclosure among CGs. Identified harmful CAMs should be discouraged.