Medicina Alternativa e Integrativa

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Renal Transplant Patients in Turkey

Abstract

Eda Altun

Introduction: There is limited data concerning the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among in and worldwide. Our aim in this study to evaluate the use of CAM among patients kidney transplant recipients in.

Patients-methods: This is a cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2019 to May 2020 in the nephrology outpatient clinics of 5 different university hospitals. Demographic, laboratory features were recorded. They answered a self-administered a survey questionnaire, this form is included questions on socio-demographic and clinical features and on the CAM therapies.

Results: A total of 830 patients (496 (59.8%) males, 334 (40.2%) females; mean age 43.9 ± 9.4 years) kidney transplantation recruited for the study. One hundred ninety two (22.89%) of the patients reported the use of one or more forms of CAM. Meanwhile, 78% of CAM users did not report their CAM therapies to their physicians. Herbal therapies used most often parsley+ cinnamon + lemon juice (57.8%), followed by Garlic + lemon juice (51.4%) and Nigella sativa and nettle (42.3%). There was a significant correlates for CAM users were older age (p=0.00; OR=0.76; 95% CI=0.88-0.93), occupational status (p = 0.045) and monthly income (p= 0.021; OR=2.18; 95% CI=1.42-3.3).

Conclusion: We determined that every five of one kidney transplant patients were using one type of CAM. Some of these CAMs are potentially harmful and may affect patient compliance to immunsuppressive therapies. Doctors and nurses should ask questions about CAM therapies to patients on visit days and healthcare professional should explained their knowledge about CAM therapies.