Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of traditional and complementary medical practices by patients with ischemic heart disease in Oman

Abstract

Background: The use of traditional and complementary medicine is increasing worldwide. This study
aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of traditional medicine (TM) by
patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Oman.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study based on a previously validated questionnaire, conducted
among patients attending a Cardiology outpatients’ clinic.
Results: There were 103(mean age 45.1+13.4 years; 85 or 82.5% male) responses to the questionnaire, of
which 70(67.9%) had previously used at least one form of TM. Those who had used TM were older
(48.1+13.4yrs vs 41.2+10.9 years; p=0.01). However, there was no difference between the gender,
educational status or occupation between the two groups. Cupping was the most common (58 out of 70 or
82.8%) followed by herbal medications (52 or 74.2%) and branding (47 or 67.1%), TM was used mainly
for non-cardiac indications such as headache (47 or 67.1%), back pain (42 or 60%), abdominal pain (41
or 58.5%) and only 30 (42.8%) used it for chest pains. The majority of those who had used (65 out of 70 or
92.8%) said that they felt it was effective, and 58 (82.8%) said that they would try it again. However, only
21.4% said that they would recommend it to others.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that there is widespread use of TM practices among patients with
IHD in Oman and their use should be monitored due to the potential for interactions with regular
medications and side effects.