Herbal Medicine Use among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in North Sudan

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, pattern and predictors of herbal medicine use among patients with type 2 diabetes.
Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study design.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in 2012 at primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Khartoum.
Methodology: Data for a cross-sectional study were collected via face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires at primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Khartoum, Sudan.
Results: From a total of 600 patients who responded, 58% reported the use of herbal medicine. Significant factors associated with herbal medicine use were, gender (P=0.006), education (P=0.001), duration of diabetes (P=0.005) and family income (P=0.019).Gender (P=0.001), education, duration of diabetes and place of birth (P=0.05). The most commonly used herbs were fenugreek, black seed, cinnamon and olive. The proposed motivations for using herbal medicines were ease of access, low cost and reports of a positive experience by others. Family and friends were the main source of information for most patients. About 63.8% failed to inform their doctors about using herbs, and the main reasons given for this were fear of a negative response, doctor did not ask, and unnecessary to inform the doctor.
Conclusion: The prevalence of herbal medicine among diabetics is high. The herbs used are not investigated for safety and efficacy and this point to the urgent need for research in this area. In order to overcome a lack of knowledge among doctors about herbs, we propose the integration of herbal medicine into the current medical curriculum so that in future physicians will be better able to communicate with their patients.