Title:National Trends in the Us e of Herbal Medicines for the Treatm ent of
Hypertens ion Among Adults in Mongolia from Four Cross-Sectional Surveys
in 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2019
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Author(s): Supa Pengpid and Karl Peltzer*
Affiliation:
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung County 41354, Taiwan
Keywords:
Trends, herbal use, conventional treatment, hypertension, Mongolia, THM, BMI.
Abstract:
Background: The use of herbal and combined herbal and conventional treatments in
people with chronic diseases, such as hypertension, is important. The aim of the present study was
to assess national trends in using traditional medicines for the treatment of hypertension among
adults in Mongolia from four cross-sectional surveys in 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2019.
Methods: Cross-sectional data were analysed from 5,657 persons (15-64 years) of known hypertensives
that participated in 2005, 2009, 2013 or 2019 Mongolia STEPS surveys. Those who knew
their hypertension status were asked about the past two weeks of intake of any drug (medication) for
increased blood pressure prescribed by a doctor or other health worker and the current intake of any
herbal or traditional remedy for elevated blood pressure. Logistic regression was employed to assess
the associations between sociodemographic and comorbid factors and herbal use and concurrent
herbal and conventional treatment.
Results: The prevalence of known hypertensives slightly increased from 19.0% in 2005 to 23.7% in
2019. The prevalence of current conventional treatment for hypertension among known hypertensives
significantly decreased from 74.5% in 2005 to 40.1% in 2019. The proportion of current herbal
treatment for hypertension among known hypertensives was overall 6.3% and decreased significantly
from 11.7% in 2005 to 9.0% in 2019. The prevalence of current herbal and conventional
treatment for hypertension among known hypertensives was overall 4.4% and significantly decreased
from 9.9% in 2005 to 6.0% in 2019. In the 2005 survey, the prevalence of herbal use was
significantly higher among those with 12 or more years of education (p<0.01) and urban residence
(p<0.001), while in the study years 2009, 2013 and 2019, no significant differences were found in
terms of educational level and residence status and prevalence of herbal use.
In adjusted logistic regression analysis, inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption decreased the
odds and older age increased the odds of herbal use and/or concurrent herbal and conventional
treatment for hypertension among hypertensives.
Conclusion: The prevalence of herbal and/or conventional treatment of hypertension among hypertensives
has decreased among Mongolian adults over a 15-year period. Considering significant levels
of herbal treatment in combination with conventional treatment for hypertension, negative drugherb
effects can be expected, and appropriate actions of health systems may be needed.
