Factors influencing the utilization, and perceived benefits of complementary and alternative medicine in the management of common childhood diseases among residents of Makun community, Sagamu, Ogun State Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: The utilization of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been on the rise, despite the expansion of conventional medicine across populations. The choice and utilization of CAM are informed by individuals' health-care-seeking behavior and the derived benefits. This study examined the factors responsible for the choice and utilization of CAM in the management of common childhood diseases among residents of Makun community, Sagamu, Ogun state Nigeria.

Design and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adapted for this study, using an interview-administered questionnaire to elicit data on respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, utilization, and factors influencing the utilization of CAM and perceived effects and satisfaction. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 332 respondents comprising 129 males and 203 females. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and presented using tables, percentages, and frequencies.

Result: The findings revealed the following as the most influencing factors for the choice and utilization of CAM: Effectiveness (75.9 %), affordability (82.9 %), accessibility (81.7 %), and tolerance for children (44.6 %). CAM therapies that are always utilized in the management of common childhood diseases include herbal medicine (36.7 %), natural supplements (21.4 %), dietary therapy (13.3 %), and chiropractic (10.2 %). Perceived benefits include satisfaction (71.1 %), effectiveness (45.8 %), safety (37.3 %), and minimal side effects (46.7 %).

Conclusion: The study concludes that despite the popularity of conventional or orthodox medicine in Nigeria, there is still a significant percentage of the population who actively utilize complementary and alternative medicine therapies in the management of common childhood diseases. CAM therapies are mostly used in communities as either primary or adjunct therapy, due to high perceived safety and effectiveness.

Practice implications: It is pertinent for Nurses to be aware of the knowledge of CAM and It is pertinent for Nurses to be aware of the growing popularity and utilization of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in managing common childhood diseases. Nurses need to develop solid strategies to ensure there is an open conversation regarding CAM use by clients towards improving the care of communities and mitigating the uncontrolled utilization of complementary and alternative medicine in the care of children.

Keywords: Common childhood diseases; Complementary and alternative medicine; Herbal medicine; Management; Perceived effects.