Use of complementaryand alternative therapies among rural TB patients in Nalgonda, Andhra Pradesh: a qualitative study.

Background: A considerable number of studies have been conducted on health seeking behaviour of TB patients in different parts of the world. However, these studies largely ignored the prevalence and use of complementary and alternative medical practices (CAM) among TB patients. This present study was prompted by the recognition that, an understanding of different factors influencing CAM use in a medically pluralistic setting has important implications for providing patient-centred comprehensive care, and improving the quality of life for TB patients.

Aim: The objective of the study was to explore the reasons and motivations for the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies among rural TB patients.

Methods: A sample of 110 respondents were recruited purposively from two selected rural TB units at Yadagirigutta and Chintapally in Nalgonda district in Andhra Pradesh (A.P.). Semi-structured interview schedule and case study methods were used for the collection of primary data. A qualitative content analysis method was employed to analyse and interpret the data.

Results: TB patients employed a variety of alternative therapies such as massage, prayer, amulets, diet, faith or spiritual healing, restriction in alcohol consumption and smoking, abstinence from sex, and herbal teas as an adjunct to biomedical TB treatment. Engaging in alternative medical practices resulted in a sense control and relief from physical and psychological suffering and trauma associated TB illness.

Conclusion: There is a need on the part of the health care professionals and health policy managers to gain insight into the motivations and reasons for CAM use among the TB patients. Such a shift in thinking will impact on reducing non-compliance, and identifying and dealing with unmet needs of patients which are seen as major deterrents to successful TB control programmes.