Dada la posibilidad de efectos adversos, interacciones con medicamentos e intoxicaciones por contaminantes entre consumidores de hierbas medicinales (HM), nuestro objetivo es describir el consumo de HM en usuarios de los centros de salud en tratamiento con medicamentos.
DiseñoEstudio observacional, transversal.
EmplazamientoTrece centros de salud de la Comunidad Valenciana.
Pacientes u otros participantesUsuarios, de sexo indistinto, mayores de 14 años, seleccionados para un estudio de utilización de medicamentos para encontrar diferencias entre sexos. Mediciones y resultados principales. Las variables de estudio, edad, sexo, nivel educativo, consumo de medicamentos y uso de HM se recogieron desde la historia clínica, tarjeta de largo tratamiento y encuesta estructurada ad hoc. De los 812 usuarios, 801 consumen medicamentos. Toman HM, 159 (19,6%; IC del 95%, 16,9–22,3); edad media, 55,8 años (DE, 16,5); mujeres, 58,5% (IC del 95%, 50,8–66,1). Consumen HM, 226 (media, 1,42; IC del 95%, 1,32–1,52); los varones consumen más HM (p < 0,05). No existen diferencias de consumo de HM por edad, nivel educativo o número de medicamentos consumidos. Un 42,8% (IC del 95%, 35,1–50,2) de los que consumen HM acudieron a la consulta más de 10 veces en el último año. El 96,9% (IC del 95%, 93,7–98,4) de las HM se consumen por automedicación. Se consumen: «por gusto», 36,7% (IC del 95%, 30,4–43,0); problemas de estómago, 19,5% (IC del 95%, 14,3–24,6); nervios/depresión, 12,8% (IC del 95%, 8,5–17,2); trastornos intestinales, 10,6% (IC del 95%, 6,6–14,6); insomnio, 5,8% (IC del 95%, 3,1–9,6). Un 49,1% (IC del 95%, 42,6–52,6) es HM manufacturadas.
ConclusionesUno de cada 5 pacientes en tratamiento con medicamentos consume HM por automedicación. La administración sanitaria y los médicos deberían informar de los riesgos para la salud y las contraindicaciones de estos productos.
Given the possibility of adverse side-effects, interactions with medicines and poisoning by contaminants among herbal medicine consumers (HM), we aimed to describe the consumption of HM by health centre users being treated with medicines.
DesignCross-sectional, observational study.
SettingThirteen health centres in the Community of Valencia.
Patients and others participantsUsers of either sex, over 14, chosen for a study of use of medicines to find differences between the sexes.
Measurements and main resultsThe study variables, age, gender, education, consumption of medicines and use of HM, were gathered from the clinical records, the long-treatment card and an ad hoc structured survey. 801 out of 812 users took medicines. 159 took HM (19.6%; 95% CI, 16.9–22.3); average age 55.8 (SD, 16.5); women 58.5% (95% CI, 50.8–66.1). They took 226 HM (mean of 1.42; 95% CI, 1.32–1.52). Men consumed more HM (p < 0.05). There were no differences in consumption of HM for age, educational background or number of medicines taken. 42.8% (95% CI, 35.1–50.2) of those who took HM attended for consultation over 10 times in the previous year. 96.9% (95% CI, 93.7–98.4) of HM were taken by self-medication. They were consumed: «because I like them» by 36.7% (95% CI, 30.4–43.0); stomach problems, 19.5% (95% CI, 14.3–24.6); nerves/depression, 12.8% (95% CI, 8.5–17.2); intestinal disorders, 10.6% (95% CI, 6.6–14.6); insomnia 5.8% (95% CI, 3.1–9.6). 49.1% (95% CI, 42.6–52.6) were manufactured HM.
ConclusionsOne of every five patients being treated with medicines is also taking HM by self-medication. The health authorities and doctors should advise of the risks to health and of the counter-indications of these products.