Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Among Hypertensive Patients in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular diseases worldwide. The frequency of utilization of CAM is increasing worldwide and is well documented in both African and other global populations. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and correlates of CAM use among hypertensive patients. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at the department of medicine of Murtala Muhammad General Hospital of Kano State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted, on 208 patients, using a semi-structured questionnaire on the use of CAM among hypertensive patients. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and SPSS V16. Results and conclusion: The frequency of CAM use in this study was (67.8%) and the use of CAM was significantly associated with marital status, duration of diagnosis, knowledge of antihypertensives and ability to pay for drugs,