Conference abstract
Use of complementary and alternative medicine in treating toothache: a pilot survey
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2022:13(6).31
Jan 2022.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2022.13.6.866
Archived on: 31 Jan 2022
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Alternative medicine, complementary medicine, toothache, traditional healers
Oral presentation
Use of complementary and alternative medicine in treating toothache: a pilot survey
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
&Corresponding author
Introduction: in recent times, there has been a growing global interest in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). CAM includes but is not limited to the use of herbal medications, traditional healers remedies, self-care remedies such as charcoal and alcoholic drink such as dry gin and spirits. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and pattern of the use of CAM in treatment of toothache amongst selected adults in a market population.
Methods: a cross-sectional survey was done using interviewer-based questionnaires administered to 352 consenting adults selected randomly in Ogbete Main Market, Enugu. Data obtained were socio-demographic profile, history of toothache, treatment sought if any, and observed adverse effects; analysis was done using SPSS version 17.
Results: a total of 188 people (53.4%) had experienced toothache previously. Modes of treatment were: a self-prescribed CAM 105 (55.9%), CAM from traditional healers 20 (10.6%) and visit to dentist 43 (22.9%). CAM use was highest (32.8%) amongst those aged 26-34 years (X2 = 12.27, p = 0.031). CAM formulations used were mainly liquid 78 (62.5%) and powder 44 (35.0%). The most common side effects of CAM observed by users were swollen gum (31.6 %) closely followed by tooth staining (26.3%). 95 (76.6%) of CAM users for toothache would readily use it again if the need arises.
Conclusion: more participants used CAM as remedy for toothache than those who visited dentist, and the majority of users would patronize CAM products again. There is need for adequate policy formulation and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy of CAM products. However, a similar but more invasive study on a larger scale is strongly advised.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine in treating toothache: a pilot survey
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
&Corresponding author
Introduction: in recent times, there has been a growing global interest in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). CAM includes but is not limited to the use of herbal medications, traditional healers remedies, self-care remedies such as charcoal and alcoholic drink such as dry gin and spirits. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and pattern of the use of CAM in treatment of toothache amongst selected adults in a market population.
Methods: a cross-sectional survey was done using interviewer-based questionnaires administered to 352 consenting adults selected randomly in Ogbete Main Market, Enugu. Data obtained were socio-demographic profile, history of toothache, treatment sought if any, and observed adverse effects; analysis was done using SPSS version 17.
Results: a total of 188 people (53.4%) had experienced toothache previously. Modes of treatment were: a self-prescribed CAM 105 (55.9%), CAM from traditional healers 20 (10.6%) and visit to dentist 43 (22.9%). CAM use was highest (32.8%) amongst those aged 26-34 years (X2 = 12.27, p = 0.031). CAM formulations used were mainly liquid 78 (62.5%) and powder 44 (35.0%). The most common side effects of CAM observed by users were swollen gum (31.6 %) closely followed by tooth staining (26.3%). 95 (76.6%) of CAM users for toothache would readily use it again if the need arises.
Conclusion: more participants used CAM as remedy for toothache than those who visited dentist, and the majority of users would patronize CAM products again. There is need for adequate policy formulation and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy of CAM products. However, a similar but more invasive study on a larger scale is strongly advised.
