Abstract:
Background: In Africa, herbal medicines are often used as primary treatment for Human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) related problems. Concurrent use of traditional herbal medicines (THM) with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) is
widespread among HIV infected patients. However, the extent of THM use is not known in most settings in Sub-
Saharan Africa. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and factors associated with THM use among HIV
infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) attending The AIDS Support Organization (TASO)
in Uganda. TASO is a non-governmental organization devoted to offering HIV/AIDS care and treatment services in
the population.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in two TASO treatment centres in Uganda among 401
randomly selected eligible participants. We included participants who were 18 years and above, were enrolled on
HAART, and consented to participate in the study. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered semistructured
questionnaire. THM use referred to someone who had ever used or was currently using herbal medicine
while on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) by the time of the study. Data was captured in Epi-data
version 3.1 and exported to STATA version 9.0 for analysis.
Results: The prevalence of THM use was 33.7%. Patients on HAART for < 4 years were more likely to use THM (OR =
5.98, 95% CI 1.13 - 31.73) as well as those who experienced HAART side effects (OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.15 - 11.68). Older
patients (≥39 years) were less likely to use THM (OR = 0.26 95% CI: 0.08 - 0.83). Participants with HAART adherence
levels > 95% were less likely to use THM (OR = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01 - 0.65).
Conclusion: The prevalence of THM use among participants on HAART was high. This raises clinical and
pharmacological concerns that need attention by the health care service providers.
