Predictors of herbal medicine in patients with coronary artery disease in Jordan

Objective: To explore the relation between herbal use and 14 independent variables among cardiac patients. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted through face-to-face interviews of 690 consecutive patients visiting the outpatient department at the Queen Alia Heart Institute from June 1, 2008 to June 1, 2009. Data were collected using a specially-designed questionnaire. Univariate analysis was carried out to explore the relation between herbal use and 14 pre-determined risk factors. Categorical data between the two groups (herb users, non- users) were studied using paired two-tailed Fischer s exact test. Variables were expressed as absolute numbers and percentages. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of significant univariate predictors of herbal use was then performed using the block entry method. Results: There were 471 (68.26%) men and 219 (31.73%) women in the study population. Of the total, there were 97 (14.1%) subjects using herbs: 77 (79.4%) men, 20 (20.6%) women (p=0.01). Other factors of statistically significance included history of smoking (p= 0.008), urban residence (p= 0.005), duration of coronary artery disease 5 years (p= 0.03), impaired left ventricular function (p=0.002), lower educational level (p=0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis predicted herbal use in all univariate predictors except for the duration of coronary artery disease (p=0.053). Conclusion: Specific and appropriate awareness and educational programmes need to be initiated with target audience in mind to optimise safety and efficacy of consumed herbs and to ensure an affordable healthcare system.