Alternative and complementary therapies (ACTs) are increasingly being integrated into modern healthcare as supportive treatments for various conditions. These therapies, which include herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, and spiritual healing, are widely used in many cultures, particularly in African societies where traditional medicine remains influential (Akinola et al., 2023). Nurses, as primary caregivers, play a crucial role in recommending, administering, or guiding patients on the use of ACTs alongside conventional medicine.
In Kano State, a region with deep cultural and religious traditions, the use of alternative and complementary therapies is common. Many patients rely on traditional healers, herbal remedies, and religious interventions in addition to hospital treatments (Mustapha & Garba, 2024). However, there is limited research on how nurses incorporate ACTs into patient care, their perceptions of these therapies, and the regulatory challenges they face.
This study aims to evaluate the use of alternative and complementary therapies by nurses in Kano State, assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and integration into clinical practice.
Despite the growing use of ACTs, there remains a lack of standardized guidelines for their integration into nursing practice in Nigeria. Nurses often encounter patients who use herbal remedies or other complementary therapies, yet many are not formally trained in their application or potential interactions with conventional medicine (Okorie & Yusuf, 2023).
In Kano State, where cultural beliefs strongly influence healthcare decisions, nurses must navigate the balance between respecting patients' preferences and ensuring safe, evidence-based care. However, limited studies have explored the extent of nurses’ involvement in ACTs and the challenges they face in incorporating these therapies into clinical practice. This research seeks to bridge this gap by examining nurses’ engagement with ACTs and identifying factors influencing their use.
This study focuses on nurses working in hospitals and clinics in Kano State, assessing their use of ACTs. The study may be limited by nurses’ willingness to discuss their personal views on ACTs and by the lack of official hospital policies regulating their use.
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