Complementary and alternative medication (CAM) use in patients with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis: a cross sectional study from Southern India

The increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD) which account for approximately 60% of all deaths worldwide remains one of the important challenges that face the developed as well as the developing world. Among the NCD’s , chronic kidney disease (CKD) now affects more than 500 million people worldwide, with 80%  of those affected living in low to middle –income countries. In most of these countries, traditional medications(TM) are used by 75-90% of people and may often form the principal form of health care (1,2). In India, the prevalence of CKD has increased substantially in the past two decades commensurate with the global trend and has currently emerged as a significant cause of mortality and morbidity with a significant decline in the overall patient’s quality of life (QOL). Despite several medical advancements, the survival of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) remains drastically shorter than the general population (3). In addition due to discrepancies in the availability of renal replacement therapy and the delay in seeking and continuing therapy only about 10% of ESRD patients continue hemodialysis treatment.