Publication: Association between the usage of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) and sociodemographic factors among hemodialysis patients in HPUSM
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Date
2026
Authors
Zainuddin, Nur Amalin
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Abstract
Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is frequently utilized by patients with chronic diseases to support recovery and self-care, including those undergoing hemodialysis. Although T&CM is often used to support well-being and symptom management, its use among hemodialysis patients may raise clinical concerns, particularly regarding safety, treatment interactions, and the unsupervised use of herbal products or dietary supplements. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T&CM usage, types, and reasons for T&CM use, and to examine its association with sociodemographic factors among hemodialysis patients at HPUSM. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 85 hemodialysis patients selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 28.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics, prevalence, types, and reasons for T&CM use, while the Pearson Chi-square test and Fisher’s Exact test were used to examine associations between variables. The findings showed that 60.0% of participants had used T&CM, with most users reporting use before initiating dialysis. Herbal medicine (45.1%) was the most commonly used type of T&CM, followed by dietary supplements (39.2%), cupping therapy (37.3%), and massage (35.3%). The main reasons for using T&CM were to increase confidence (49.0%), to treat kidney disease directly using traditional medicine (41.2%), to improve physical well-being (33.3%), and to boost the body’s ability to treat other illnesses (31.4%). However, no significant association was found between T&CM use and sociodemographic factors or the presence of comorbidities. This study indicates that T&CM use is common among hemodialysis patients in HPUSM. The findings highlight the need for open communication, culturally sensitive patient education, and routine assessment of T&CM use in clinical care to promote safer patient management.
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