title: Characterizing Herbal Medicine Use for Noncommunicable Diseases in Urban South Africa.
abstract: Economic challenges associated with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the sociocultural outlook of many patients especially in Africa have increased dependence on traditional herbal medicines (THMs) for these diseases. A cross-sectional descriptive study designed to determine the prevalence of and reasons for THM use in the management of NCDs among South African adults was conducted in an urban, economically disadvantaged area of Cape Town, South Africa. In a cohort of 1030 participants recruited as part of the existing Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study, 456 individuals were identified. The overall prevalence of THM use was 27%, of which 61% was for NCDs. Participants used THM because of a family history (49%) and sociocultural beliefs (33%). Hypertensive medication was most commonly used concurrently with THM. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the potential dualistic use of THM and conventional drugs by patients, as this could significantly influence health outcomes. Efforts should be made to educate patients on the potential for drug/herb interactions.
authors.affiliation: South African Herbal Science and Medicine Institute (SAHSMI), Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
authors.forename: Gail D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.affiliation: South African Herbal Science and Medicine Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
authors.forename: Oluwaseyi M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Aboyade
authors.affiliation: The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa ; International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 UZP114, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Roxanne
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Beauclair
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
authors.forename: Oluchi N
authors.initials: ON
authors.lastname: Mbamalu
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
authors.forename: Thandi R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Puoane