The Role of Traditional Medicine in the Etiology and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease in Moshi, Tanzania
Background: Traditional medicine use is increasingly recognized as a common and important component of healthcare globally. Our study aim was therefore to identify the commonly used traditional medicines in Moshi, Tanzania, the factors influencing their use and associations between traditional medicine use & prevalence of chronic diseases. Methods: We performed a secondary data analysis of a mixed methods study in Moshi, comprising 42 extended interviews and 5 focus group discussions with key informants, and cross-sectional household survey using interviewer-administered questionnaires and field-based diagnostic tests for CKD, diabetes, hypertension and HIV. Results: We identified 168 traditional medicines, of which 15 (8.9%) and 5 (3%) were used to treat chronic diseases and CKD, respectively. Participants reported seeking healthcare advice from medical doctors (97%), family members (52%), pharmacists (24%) and friends or neighbors (14%). In a fully adjusted model, CKD patients were more likely than the non-CKD population to report a history of traditional medicine use (AOR=1.99; p=0.04), and family tradition (OR=1.97), difficulty finding a medical doctor (OR=2.07) and fewer side effects with traditional medicines (OR=2.07) as their reasons for preferring traditional medicines to hospital medicines. Conclusions: Traditional medicine use is high in Moshi, and more so among the CKD population. A history of traditional medicine use is associated with the prevalence of CKD in Moshi. Most of these traditional medicines have biologically active substances that could potentially be developed into therapeutic and prophylactic therapies for CKD, and CKD-associated co-morbidities.
Medicine
Public health
alternative medicine
chronic kidney disease
herbs
kidney disease
sub-Saharan Africa
traditional medicine

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Rights for Collection: Masters Theses
Works are deposited here by their authors, and represent their research and opinions, not that of Duke University. Some materials and descriptions may include offensive content. More info
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator, and subject.
-
Spirituality, Religious Involvement, and Health System Utilization in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Catalino, Michael Paul (2010)Background: Spirituality and religious practices can motivate proactive health behavior. Although beliefs and practices may lead to different health behaviors, it is important to recognize the contribution of both to allopathic ... -
Access to Medicine Index: Can a global scorecard framework promote a system of public accountability across the pharmaceutical sector to support increased access to essential medicines in developing countries?
Attard, Jamie (2013-06-28)This report reviews the Access to Medicine Index (AMTi) in positively changing the pharmaceutical industry. This report notes a number of opportunities for the ATMi to improve its engagement with stakeholders. The current ... -
Comparison of US Federal and Foundation Funding of Research for Sickle Cell Disease and Cystic Fibrosis and Factors Associated With Research Productivity.
Farooq, Faheem; Mogayzel, Peter J; Lanzkron, Sophie; Haywood, Carlton; Strouse, John J (JAMA network open, 2020-03-02)Importance:Sickle cell disease (SCD) and cystic fibrosis (CF) are severe autosomal recessive disorders associated with intermittent disease exacerbations that require hospitalizations, progressive chronic organ injury, and ...