Complementary and alternative medicine for urinary tract illnesses: A cross-sectional survey in Jordan. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akour, Amal; Abuloha, Sumaya; Mulakhudair, Ali R.; Kasabri, Violet; Al-Tammemi, Ala'a B.
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in clinical practice. Volume 43(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) -- Herbal remedies -- Urinary tract illnesses -- Jordan; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101321
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-3881

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the extent of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) usage, especially herbal preparations, in treating urinary tract illnesses, and their perceived efficacy. This was a cross-sectional survey that used a convenience sample of 278 adults who reported having any form of urinary tract illness. During the last 3 months, 105 (37.8%) of participants had used CAM for various urinary tract conditions, of which, 87 (82.9%) used herbal remedies. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) were the most reported urinary condition (n = 77, 73.3%) among CAM users. The most commonly used herbs were, parsley (n = 54, 19.2%), followed by chamomile (n = 29, 10.4%), barley (n = 20, 7.4%) and ginger (n = 18, 6.7%).The study provides an overview of various CAM remedies used to treat urinary tract illnesses in the Jordanian society, which would draw attention to the necessity of conducting interventional studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CAMs in treating urinary tract illnesses, either as stand-alone or adjuvant treatment. Highlights: The usage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the management of urinary illnesses is becoming more common. Many patients do not discuss the usage of CAM with their primary healthcare providers. It is pivotal to evaluate the extent of use and efficacy of such therapies for the alleviation of urinary tract illnesses.