A survey to determine the prevalence of use and perceived effectiveness of complementary medicines for colds and influenza

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)Abstract: Common colds and influenza are usually self-limiting upper respiratory tract illnesses with mild to moderately severe symptoms. They are a major cause of illness, causing about two to four bouts of illness a year in adults and about five to ten bouts a year in children. Colds and influenza substantially impact university students, negatively affecting their health, academic and work performance. Both the common cold and influenza present with very similar symptoms, including nasal congestion, rhinorrhea and a scratchy throat. The main differentiating characteristics are fever, malaise and body aches which are present in influenza and rarely occur in a cold. Therefore, diagnosis is made on clinical evaluation. The common cold and influenza are often treated using both conventional and/or complementary medication. Rest and hydrations are the standard treatment protocol; however, antihistamines, decongestants and steroid nasal sprays are used for symptomatic relief. Undesirable side effects are often associated with these drugs. The use of complementary medicine (CM) has become increasingly popular for the general maintenance of health and for the treatment of illnesses like colds and influenza. CMs may be considered as a treatment choice by students as it is perceived to be safe; however, certain CM products may be habit forming, have adverse effects and could have drug-herb interactions which could affect general wellbeing. There is no data currently available assessing the prevalence of use and perceived effectiveness of CM for colds and influenza by Health Sciences’ students at the UJ. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of use and perceived effectiveness of CM in the treatment of colds and influenza by Health Sciences’ students at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). This will be evaluated by means of a survey. A quantitative-descriptive, survey design study on the prevalence of use and perceived effectiveness of CM in colds and influenza by Health Sciences’ students at UJ was used. Four hundred (400) questionnaires were distributed by the researcher on the Doornfontein Campus at with the relevant permission. Permission was attained from the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (REC) (Appendix E) and Higher Degrees Committee (HDC) (Appendix D), as well as the UJ Director for Institutional Research and Planning (Appendix C). All students who agreed to participate in the study were given the information leaflet and consent form (Appendix A) by the researcher, explaining the purpose and procedure of the study before completing the questionnaire (Appendix B). Participants were given the questionnaire and a place where they were able to complete it privately, had they wished so. Once the questionnaire was completed, it was placed in an envelope and sealed and deposited into a locked box. The locked..