Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Use and its Association with Diabetic Control among Diabetic Patients in a Tertiary Centre, Kuantan Pahang
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v20i1.1787Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a major global health concern worldwide. The fact that it is a lifelong chronic illness contributes to the increasing tendency of seeking traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM), yet study regarding this remains limited. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of T&CM use among diabetic patients and its association with diabetic control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Kuantan between July and August 2018. Following written consent, 136 type 2 adult diabetic patients in medical ward and those attending diabetic clinic were interviewed regarding the use of T&CM; and their blood investigation results were collected from patients’ medical records. A data collection form was used as study instrument. Descriptive statistic was used to measure the prevalence while chi-square test and independent t-test were used to find associations between T&CM use and study background and diabetic control. RESULTS: Low prevalence of T&CM use (16.9%) was found, predominated by retiree group (p<0.05). Majority of patients used T&CM as additional treatment for diabetes (60.9%) and the usage was influenced by friends, family members and advertisement. There was a significant difference in Glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) levels between inpatient and outpatient T&CM users (p><0.05). CONCLUSION: 1 in every 6 diabetic patients in HTAA, Kuantan were using T&CM along with conventional diabetic medications in which retirees are predominated. No associations were found between T&CM uses and diabetic control. Outpatient T&CM users had lower HbA1c level with higher eGFR compared to inpatient users. ><0.05). Majority of patients used T&CM as additional treatment for diabetes (60.9%) and the usage was influenced by friends, family members and advertisement. There was a significant difference in Glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) levels between inpatient and outpatient T&CM users (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: 1 in every 6 diabetic patients in HTAA, Kuantan were using T&CM along with conventional diabetic medications in which retirees are predominated. No associations were found between T&CM uses and diabetic control. Outpatient T&CM users had lower HbA1c level with higher eGFR compared to inpatient users.
Downloads
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
All material submitted for publication is assumed to be submitted exclusively to the IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM) unless the contrary is stated. Manuscript decisions are based on a double-blinded peer review process. The Editor retains the right to determine the style and if necessary, edit and shorten any material accepted for publication.
IMJM retain copyright to all the articles published in the journal. All final ‘proof’ submissions must be accompanied by a completed Copyright Assignment Form, duly signed by all authors. The author(s) or copyright owner(s) irrevocably grant(s) to any third party, in advance and in perpetuity, the right to use, reproduce or disseminate the research article in its entirety or in part, in any format or medium, provided that no substantive errors are introduced in the process, proper attribution of authorship and correct citation details are given, and that the bibliographic details are not changed. If the article is reproduced or disseminated in part, this must be clearly and unequivocally indicated.
