Patterns and Determinants of Dietary Supplement Use as Complementary and Alternative Treatment Among Hypertensive Adults in a Suburban Community in Laguna Philippines

Abstract

Hypertension remains a major public health concern, and many patients use dietary supplements as complementary or alternative medicine due to cultural beliefs, accessibility, affordability, and perceived health benefits. This quantitative descriptive study assessed the practices of hypertensive residents of Bamboo Orchard Subdivision, Brgy. Banay-Banay, Cabuyao City, Laguna, regarding dietary supplement use for hypertension management. Thirty hypertensive adult residents were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were gathered using a researcher-developed and validated questionnaire with acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.778) and analyzed using descriptive statistics, weighted mean, percentage distribution, and Mann-Whitney U test. Findings showed that most respondents were physician-diagnosed, had hypertension for more than six years, and used supplements together with prescribed antihypertensive medications. Garlic capsules, moringa, and turmeric/curcumin were the most commonly used supplements. Respondents showed a high level of practice in using supplements as complementary treatment and a low level of practice in using them as alternative treatment, with a significant difference between the two practices. The study concludes that dietary supplements are generally used as adjuncts rather than substitutes for prescribed medications, highlighting the need for continued patient education and healthcare guidance.