Benefits and extent of CAM use among persons living with HIV attending an antiretroviral therapy clinic in Warri, Nigeria.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to assess the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies among patients on anti-retroviral therapies as well as the possible reasons for their use.

METHOD: This cross-sectional survey was conducted with the aid of an interviewer-administered questionnaire on HIV-positive patients attending the antiretroviral therapy clinic (Heart-to-Heart centre) of the Central Hospital, Warri, Nigeria. Patients who were 18 years and over were included after a brief introductory talk on the nature of the study. Participation was voluntary and anonymous.

KEY FINDINGS: One hundred and thirty-five patients participated in the study, 50 (37%) patients used one form of CAM. Of the patients who used CAM, 17 (34.0%) patients used herbal medicines; eight (16.0%) patients used spirituality, and 25 (50.0%) nutritional supplements. The CAM methods used by the patients were for the treatment of discomforts related to antiretroviral therapy (ART), eight (16.0%); the treatment of medical conditions not related to ART, 13 (26.0%), boosting the immune system, 25 (50%) among other reasons. The study revealed that a higher percentage of HIV-infected patients (76.0%) did not disclose their use of CAM to their healthcare providers.

CONCLUSION: Although highly active antiretroviral therapy has proved to be very effective in the management of patients with HIV, CAMs are still much in use.