Usage of Traditional and Complementary Medicine among Dengue Fever Patients in the Northeast Region of Peninsular Malaysia

Ida Seriwati Ismail; Suhaily Mohd Hairon; Najib Majdi Yaacob; Alwi Muhd Besari; Sarimah Abdullah

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Usage of Traditional and Complementary Medicine among Dengue Fever Patients in the Northeast Region of Peninsular Malaysia

Author: Ida Seriwati Ismail ^{1
,

2} ; Suhaily Mohd Hairon ³ ; Najib Majdi Yaacob ^{1
,

2} ; Alwi Muhd Besari ⁴ ; Sarimah Abdullah ³
Author Information

1. Unit of Biostatistics &
2. Research Methodology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
3. Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
4. Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Keywords; dengue fever, traditional and complementary medicine, crab soup, papaya leaf extract, isotonic drinks
From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2019;26(3):90-101
CountryMalaysia
Language:English
Abstract: Background: The recent epidemic of dengue fever (DF) in Malaysia was alarming. The treatment of DF remains supportive as there is no anti-viral agent or vaccine available as yet. Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) provides an alternative option for the treatment of DF but there is limited evidence with regard to its usage. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, types and predictor factors of T&CM usage among DF patients in the northeast region of Peninsular Malaysia. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of DF patients in the northeast region of Peninsular Malaysia who had been admitted to a tertiary centre from January 2014 until December 2015. Serologically-confirmed DF patients aged 18 years and above were randomly selected. Phone interviews were conducted to obtain information regarding the use of T&CM during hospitalisation. Notes were made regarding the prevalence and type of T&CM used. Binary logistic regressions were used to identify the predictor factors of T&CM usage. Results: A total of 241 DF patients with a mean age of 36.62 (SD = 14.62) years were included. The estimated prevalence of T&CM usage was 84.6% (95%CI: 80.1%, 89.2%). The most common T&CM used were crab soup (85.3%), papaya leaf extract (64.2%) and isotonic drinks (61.8%). The significant predictors for T&CM usage were age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.97; 95%CI: 0.94, 0.99], tertiary education (AOR 3.86; 95%CI: 1.21, 12.32) and unemployment (AOR 2.55; 95%CI: 1.02, 6.42). Conclusion: The prevalence of T&CM usage in our population is high. Age, tertiary education and unemployment influence the use of T&CM.
Full text:3.2019my0789.pdf