Ps-p07-2: knowledge, attitude and practices regarding traditional medicine among patients with hypertension in oman

Background and Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices with regards to use of traditional medicine(TM) among patients with hypertension in Oman and to assess the characteristics that favor its use Methods: This was a cross sectional questionnaire-based study. All Omani nationals above the age of 18, who were diagnosed with hypertension were eligible to be enrolled. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding the knowledge, attitudes and use of TM practices. Results: There were 121 (out of 150) responses to the questionnaire (response rate of 69.3%) of which 104 (mean age 44_11.6 years; 92 or 88.5% male) were complete and used for analysis. Majority of the respondents (90.4%) are aware of the different types of TM. A high percentage (90.4%) feel that it is effective. 74(71.2%) had tried at least one method, though only 29(27.9%) had tried it specifically for hypertension. There was no difference between age, genders, occupation or educational status. between those who had tried or not, though there was a trend towards those who had tried some form of TM to being non significantly older (45.61 + 11.9 years vs 41.4 + 10.2 years, p = 0.09), Cupping (58.6%) and herbal medications (49.1%) were the most common form of TM that was practiced. Backpain (47.4%)and headaches(44.2%) were the main reason for using TM among these patients. For reducing blood pressure, the main forms of TM used were herbal medications(82.8%), branding(78.2%) and cupping (75.9%). Most of the patients (90.4%)felt that these practices were effective. Around half of patients 43(41.3%) said that they had used these practices alongside modern medicine. Only 7.7% said that they had any side effect, and 63(60.6%) said that they would use it again. However, only 18(17.3%) said that they would encourage others to use it. Of those who had not used any TM practice, majority (90%) felt that they did not know enough about it to use it while only 12% said that they did not believe in its efficacy. 90% of them also said that they would like to try it in the future. Conclusion: There is widespread use of TM practices among the hypertensive patients in Oman. Better understanding of their benefits will help incorporate them into modern health care services.