Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use for Prevention of COVID-19 Among Nigerian Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Background and Objective:The emergence of COVID-19, was too numerous challenges including a lack of effective pharmacotherapy for prevention and cure. The approved vaccines and public health preventive measures offer hope to the public. Members of the public rely on some self-care services including the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge of types of CAM used for COVID-19, attitudes towards its use, identify previous and current CAM use and document the efficacy and safety perception of CAM use among Nigerian Healthcare Professionals for the prevention and cure for COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A descriptive crosssectional study design that employed a random sampling technique to select 345 respondents among health care professionals in Sokoto, North-West Nigeria. Data was collected using a pretested semistructured questionnaire. Preliminary analysis with frequency and summary statistics was done, Chi-square, two sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the significant relationship. Using 95% confidence level. Result: About 77% of all respondents know the types of CAM used for COVID-19. Zogale (moringa leaves) was the most used CAM and herbs and concoction was the most form of CAM used at 67%. The use of CAM was prevalent before and during the outbreak. The efficacy perception among less experienced healthcare workers was significant when tested based on years of experience p = 0.004 and no harmful effect of CAM p = 0.004, however, safety perception was not significant p = 0.7. Conclusion: Healthcare Professionals in Sokoto use CAM irrespective of their cadre and years of experience in the medical profession before and during the outbreak. There was high efficacy and safety perception with little or no side effects.