Leveraging African traditional medicines to achieve universal health coverage in the management of hypertension in Cameroon: A discrete choice policy analysis.

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Abstract Background: Hypertension is a global disease affecting one billion people and is the common risk factor for death throughout the world. Hypertension is a major risk factor and one of the leading causes of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) such as Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), stroke, heart failure and death. Patients make catastrophic out-of-pocket payments to manage this condition conventionally. In Africa some patients still visit traditional healers even after consulting with medical personnel and are apparently willing to pay out of pocket for Traditional Medicine (TM). This is done without the knowledge of health personnel, with the risk of incurring adverse drug-herb interactions. The aim of this study is to compare the costs of orthodox medicine and TM in the management of hypertension. Methods: Questionnaire interviews of 122 participants, 104 hypertensive patients and 18 tradipractitioners were conducted to obtain qualitative and quantitative data. Cost analysis between orthodox and TM treatment of hypertension was performed. Data was expressed in frequencies and percentages, used to determine significance. Results: 1. We found that the cost of orthodox treatment of hypertension was almost two times higher than that of TM. 2. Age, self-rated health and self-employment positively influenced antihypertensive drug adherence. 3. Plants used by tradipractitioners had bioactive substances to counter hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension treatment is less costly with TM than with orthodox treatment. TM can be a good alternative in managing hypertension.

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