USE OF HERBAL REMEDIES AND PERCEPTION OF THE HEALTH RISKS AMONG RENAL PATIENTS RECEIVING TREATMENT IN THE UNIVERSITYCOLLEGEHOSPITAL, IBADAN

Abstract

Renal disease is a prevalent health problem worldwide, with a higher incidence in developing countries. In Nigeria, about 85% of people are known to use herbal remedies and consult traditional medicine practitioners for their healthcare, as well as for social and psychological benefits. The pharmacological activity, chemical components and microbial contents of herbs, and their ability to interfere with the efficacy of orthodox medicines, make herbal remedies potentially dangerous for renal patients. There is limited information on the prevalence of the use of herbal remedies among renal patients. The aim of this study was to assess the use of herbal remedies among renal patients and their perception of the health risks involved. The study was a cross-sectional design involving sixty four (64) available and consenting renal patients receiving treatment in the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Having obtained ethical approval from the UI/UCH Ethics Research Committee, purposive sampling was used in recruiting the respondents. They were interviewed using semi-structured, pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were collected on respondents’ socio-demographic information, perception on the associated health risks, prevalence, and factors associated with the use of herbal remedies. Perception was assessed on a 13-point scale and scores ≥7 were regarded as good, while scores ≤6 were regarded as poor. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test at p=0.05. The mean ages of the respondents were 51.9±16.9 years, and 50.0% were males. Majority (84.4%) was married, 59.4% were Christians and 96.9% were Yoruba. 37.5% had secondary education. Most (95.3%) had no family history of kidney problems, but 53.1% had history of dialysis. Majority (81.3%) had good perception on the health risks associated with the use of herbal remedies. Majority (84.4%) also perceived that the use of herbs, especially in the wrong dosage could be harmful to the body, and 73.4% stated that the combination of herbal remedies with orthodox medicines can lead to complications, especially in patients with renal problems. Most (81.3%) stated that herbalremedies could be contaminated where they were planted and during preparation and this could cause adverse reactions.Prevalence of the use of herbal remedies was 56.3%. 75% used herbs for malaria, while 30.2% used herbs from pear tree leaves for the relief of kidney symptoms. Most of them (73.7%) did not

inform their doctor that they used herbal remedies because, according to them, there was no reason for them to tell their doctor. Family members and friends (52.8%) are a major influencing factor in patient’s decision-making with regard to the use of herbal remedies.There is a significant association between the level of education (secondary education 37.5%, tertiary education 34.4%) and the frequency of use of herbal remedies. Most renal patients make use of herbal remedies despite receiving allopathic medicines which might compromise effective outcome of orthodox treatment. Health education and counseling should be conducted for renal patients on the adverse effects of combining traditional and conventional therapies.