Can complementary, alternative and traditional medicine practices be embraced as potential health care provision in resource poor communities: Opportunity or challenge for HIV/AIDS patients on ARV

Background: Many people in adversely affected communities utilized complementary, alternative and traditional medicine practices in response to chronic conditions while simultaneously using over the counter and prescription drugs. With the lack of access to health care services, and constrained resources people are using culturally viable and accepted traditional medicine practices in response to their needs. This study investigated prevalence and predictors of HIV/AIDS patients on ARV treatment that used traditional medicine and their communication and disclosure to their health care professional. Method: Patients (N=100) were recruited and administered a questionnaire from ARV clinics located in two regions of South Africa (urban and rural) while in depth interviews (N=14) were conducted among health care providers, community health outreach workers and traditional healers from the respective clinics in the regions. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis was performed. Results: Fifteen percent of HIV/AIDS patients on ARV acknowledged using traditional medicine (TM) for chronic conditions and had prior history of TM use before being diagnosed with HIV. Most had not communicated with their health care professional about their TM use due to fear of being scorned or health care being withdrawn; however some had discussed their use of both TM and ARV treatment with traditional healers/practitioners. Conclusion: The study results illustrates a need for education among patients, and health care professionals about TM use esp. in conjunction with ARV therapy and other prescription drugs for chronic conditions. There needs to be better understanding about TM use among resource poor communities that are opting to use culturally acceptable and available practices and medicines for coping with chronic health conditions.