- 1South African Herbal Science and Medicine Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
- 2Present Address: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa.
- 3The
South African Department of Science and Technology/National Research
Foundation (DST/NRF) Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling
and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South
Africa.
- 4International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- 5School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa.
- 6School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
- 7South African Herbal Science and Medicine Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa. ghughes@uwc.ac.za.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Various
studies have shown that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) especially
diabetes and hypertension are prevalent among older women living in
South African urban areas, placing a heavy burden on the healthcare
system. This study aimed to understand the health-seeking behaviour,
healthcare practices and prevalence of traditional herbal medicine (THM) use among older women self-reporting NCDs from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study (PURE).
METHOD:
A
homogenous purposive sampling of PURE participants was used to recruit
women who were 50 years or older (n = 250). Descriptive statistics were
used to examine the number of NCDs reported by the study sample, health
seeking behaviour and practices as well as THM use. Logistic regression
was also employed to investigate possible associations between reported
conditions and THM use or medical pluralism.
RESULTS:
Within
the study sample, 72 % self-reported an NCD. Of those with
self-reported NCDs, 46 % had one, and 54 % had two or more NCDs. Those
with NCDs usually visited public clinics (80 %), relied on doctors
(90 %) and nurses (85 %) for health information, and mostly used
conventional medicine (CM) to manage high blood pressure (81 %). About
30 % of those with NCDs indicated using THM, of whom 29 (53 %) reported
practicing medical pluralism. Participants with dental problems (OR:
3.24, 95 % CI: 1.30-8.20), headaches (OR: 2.42, 95 % CI: 1.24-4.94),
heart burn (OR: 2.30, 95 % CI: 1.18-4.48) and severe tiredness (OR:
2.05, 95 % CI: 1.08-3.99) were more likely to use THM. Anxiety and
allergies increased the likelihood to practise medical pluralism by five
and 20 times, respectively.
CONCLUSION:
Self-reported
NCD with co-morbidities was prevalent among the participants in the
study. Most of the study participants utilized state-owned clinics and
hospitals for the management of their chronic conditions. THM use was
not very common. However, among those who used THM, medical pluralism
was prevalent. Family history was the most common reason for THM use,
with many THM patrons utilizing these for treatment of a health
condition. Older black women with anxiety and allergies were more likely
to practise medical pluralism.
KEYWORDS:
Medical pluralism; Non-communicable diseases; Older women; Traditional herbal medicine
