Herbal medicine: a survey of use in Nigerian presurgical patients booked for ambulatory anaesthesia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Utilization of herbal medicines in the preoperative period by Nigerian patients booked for day case surgery has not been explored.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey of 60 patients presenting for day-case surgery at a tertiary healthcare institution over a 3-week period in August 2011 was conducted. Using a structured questionnaire, inquiries were made concerning use of herbal medicines in the immediate preoperative period. Socio-demographic characteristics, information on use of concurrent medical prescriptions, types of herbs used, reasons for use, perceived side effects and perceived efficacy were obtained. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics and Chi-square.

Results

Fifty-two (86.7%) were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 1 while

SUBMITTER: Onyeka TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3439280 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature