Prevalence and factors associated with herbal medicine use among tuberculosis patients at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda

Abstract

Tuberculosis treatment presents a significant challenge due to the high pill burden, the treatment duration and the associated side effects. As a result, patients are likely to default on treatment, exhibit poor adherence, consider the use of alternative medicines, and thus increase the chance of developing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of herbal medicine use and associated factors among TB patients of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. A hospital-based cross-sectional study employing a mixed-methods design was conducted among 190 TB patients selected through systematic sampling. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, whereas qualitative data were analysed thematically. Of the 190 participants, 65.26% had used herbal medicines before their TB diagnosis, while 17.89% reported concurrent use during TB treatment. Key reasons included symptom relief (54.10%), perceived cure (27.87%), and management of drug side effects (13.11%). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients aged 51–60 years (COR = 5.60), those above 60 years (COR = 6.68), married individuals (COR = 4.70), the widowed (COR = 6.76), and those influenced by other TB patients (AOR = 5.24) were significantly more likely to use herbal medicines. Qualitative findings reinforced these patterns. Participants described herbs as “strong,” “natural,” or “boosting immunity,” and some believed they could “clear the chest faster.” Herbal medicine use remains a common practice among TB patients, driven by cultural beliefs, perceived benefits, and strong social influence from family and peers. Older and widowed individuals are particularly at risk of concurrent use. There is a need for enhanced patient–provider communication, targeted health education, and community-level engagement to address misconceptions and promote safe, uninterrupted TB treatment.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, Herbal medicine, MRRH, Uganda