The use of herbal medicine by chronic haemodialysis patients and influencing factors in an academic hospital in Gauteng

Abstract

Patients on chronic haemodialysis have been found to engage in self-management activities such as herbal medicine to improve their quality of life. The purpose of the study was to explore the use and the factors influencing the use of herbal medicine by chronic haemodialysis patients to inform health care providers on the specific health education needs of these patients. This was a qualitative exploratory research. Twelve participants were selected using purposive sampling from the chronic dialysis unit of an academic hospital in Gauteng. Data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The researcher used Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method. The results of the study show that patients on chronic haemodialysis have a history of herbal medicine use and this use is not discussed openly. Discussions need to be open and deliberate to ensure effective provision of health education interventions