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Article: Preoperative Use of Herbal Medicines and Vitamin Supplements
- Article from:
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
- Article date:
- April 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright Australian Society of Anaesthetists Apr 2004. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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SUMMARY
There has been a definite increase in the popularity and use of complementary and alternative medicines, including herbal medicines, in the last ten years. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of use of herbal medicines and vitamin supplements by patients in the preoperative period. A questionnaire was offered to all patients attending the pre-admission clinics at St. Vincent's Hospital and Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, over an eight-month period in 2002.
In all, 1102 questionnaires were completed (91.8% response rate). The prevalence of herbal medicine use was 14.3%, with an average user age of 54.0 years and 61.4% female predominance. The five most ...