[Consumption of medicinal herbs and medicines].
OBJECTIVE
Given the possibility of adverse side-effects, interactions with medicines and poisoning by contaminants among herbal medicine consumers (HM), we aimed to describe the consumption of HM by health centre users being treated with medicines.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, observational study.Setting. Thirteen health centres in the Community of Valencia.


METHODS
Users of either sex, over 14, chosen for a study of use of medicines to find differences between the sexes.


RESULTS
The study variables, age, gender, education, consumption of medicines and use of HM, were gathered from the clinical records, the long-treatment card and an ad hoc structured survey. 801 out of 812 users took medicines. 159 took HM (19.6%; 95% CI, 16.9-22.3); average age 55.8 (SD, 16.5); women 58.5% (95% CI, 50.8-66.1). They took 226 HM (mean of 1.42; 95% CI, 1.32-1.52). Men consumed more HM (p < 0.05). There were no differences in consumption of HM for age, educational background or number of medicines taken. 42.8% (95% CI, 35.1-50.2) of those who took HM attended for consultation over 10 times in the previous year. 96.9% (95% CI, 93.7-98.4) of HM were taken by self-medication. They were consumed: <<because I like them>> by 36.7% (95% CI, 30.4-43.0); stomach problems, 19.5% (95% CI, 14.3-24.6); nerves/depression, 12.8% (95% CI, 8.5-17.2); intestinal disorders, 10.6% (95% CI, 6.6-14.6); insomnia 5.8% (95% CI, 3.1-9.6). 49.1% (95% CI, 42.6-52.6) were manufactured HM.


CONCLUSIONS
One of every five patients being treated with medicines is also taking HM by self-medication. The health authorities and doctors should advise of the risks to health and of the counter-indications of these products.
Sanfélix Genovés
J
J
Centro de Salud Nazaret, Consellería de Sanidad y Consumo, Valencia, Spain.
Palop Larrea
V
V
Rubio Gomis
E
E
Martínez-Mir
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal
D028321:Plant Preparations
Consumo de hierbas medicinales y medicamentos.