The Use Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine Among Patients Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus At Lekma Hospital

ABSTRACT The use of complementary and alternative medicine for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus stems from the experiences, beliefs, and its efficacy. This study was intended to explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to find ways of improving patient -centered care in managing type 2 diabetes successfully. The study used an exploratory descriptive research design and purposive sampling was used to recruit 13 respondents from all the patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus who seek health service at the facility. The study was conducted at the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) Hospital situated at Teshie Nungua in the Greater Accra Region. Semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed word for word. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The key findings were; people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes use complementary and alternative medicine due to convincing information from family and friends, the belief in alternative medicine and media influence. Negative attitudes of health professionals in the mainstream health care was found to be a driving force to alternative medicine use. Marketing of herbal medicine, overdose of herbal medicine and possible kidney failure were identified as some risk associated with herbal medicine use. It is recommended that curriculum developers include customer care in the nursing curriculum to enhance clients care. Again, the Ministry of Health need to collaborate with the National Insurance Authority to integrate the cost of complementary and alternative medicine.