Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Cam) Usage Among Hypertensive Patients : A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a prevalent non-communicable disease globally. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are widely used by hypertensive patients in developing countries, including Malaysia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and beliefs associated with CAM use, as well as the factors influencing CAM usage among hypertensive patients.

Methods: A self-administered survey was conducted among hypertensive patients at a tertiary care center in Malaysia.

Results: A total of 135 hypertensive patients participated in this study, with an overall CAM usage prevalence of 61.5% (n=83). The most commonly used CAM practices included exercise (n=56, 67.5%) and herbal products such as garlic (n=20, 24.1%), lemon juice (n=20, 24.1%), and bitter gourd (n=18, 21.7%). The mean belief score towards CAM among hypertensive patients was 65.73 ± 5.343 (out of a total score of 85). Logistic regression analysis indicated that awareness of current blood pressure readings (OR=6.960, 95% CI=2.459-19.697, p=0.00) and belief in natural treatment (OR=1.294, 95% CI=1.108-1.512, p=0.001) were significantly associated with CAM use.

Conclusion: CAM usage was high among hypertensive patients in this study population, with the majority expressing positive beliefs towards CAM. Healthcare providers should be prepared to discuss the use of CAM with their patients, counseling them on combining prescribed treatments with herbal medicines and the potential risks of drug-herb interactions. Understanding the patterns and determinants of CAM use among hypertensive patients is essential for healthcare providers to support safer, more effective treatment decisions and optimize patient outcomes.