Safety concerns and determinants of complementary and alternative medicine use in a sub-urban area of Sokoto, north western Nigeria

Abstract

Evidence indicates that the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing globally in both the developed and developing countries. There is therefore a need for studies to determine the factors and safely concerns associated with CAM use. This study investigates the contributing factors and safety concerns of CAM use in a sample of a sub urban population of a community in north western Nigeria. A cross sectional study was conducted using the cluster sampling technique designed to select 500 respondents in Gidan-Igwai area in Sokoto North L.G.A. of Sokoto State Nigeria between May and June, 2011. Most of the study population had some form of formal education and gainfully employed but the lifetime CAM use was still high (84%). About 35% of respondents prefer CAM over orthodox medicine while 48% use CAM for their children. About 54% of the respondents thinks CAM is safe while diarrhoea and vomiting still remain the major reported adverse effect; this owes to the fact that the major indication for CAM use was GI conditions. Affordability and availability and incessant advertisement are part of the factors influencing the use of CAM. A significant proportion of respondent are satisfied with CAM use and are willing to continue, hence an urgent need for regulation and standardization of CAM practice for possible integration.