The use of complementary and alternative forms of treatment among patients attending Gulu Regional Referral Hospital Mental Health Unit

ABSTRACT Background Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) contributes significantly to the utilization of healthcare services in mental health care in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is limited evidence on the utilization of CAM in the particular setting of post-conflict northern Uganda. This study sought to establish the prevalence, forms, and socio-demographic determinants of CAM use among patients attending the Mental Health Unit at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH). Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a hospital setting from June to August 2025. Convenience sampling was employed to recruit 407 participants. A structured questionnaire was employed for data collection. Data analysis was done using STATA software version 18.0. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and bivariate analysis with Prevalence Ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals was employed to determine factors that are significantly associated with the use of CAM. Results The lifetime prevalence of CAM use was 63.4% (258/407), with 41.3% (168/407) using CAM currently. The most frequent CAM practices used were herbal medicine (50.4%), spiritual practices (33.7%), and traditional medicine (19.8%). For current users, spiritual practices were most frequent (88.7%). The reasons for using CAM were recommendations from others (84.8%) and cultural or religious beliefs (63.4%). Predictors of CAM use were primary education (PR = 1.36, p = 0.017), living in an urban area (PR = 1.23, p = 0.007), separated (PR = 1.39, p = 0.050), and having a mental health disorder for six or more months (PR range = 1.55-1.72). Catholics (PR = 0.72, p = 0.0007) and Protestants (PR = 0.76, p = 0.011) were less likely to use CAM than Born Again Christians. Conclusion The level of CAM use among patients accessing mental health services in GRRH of northern Uganda is significantly high, while the reporting of CAM use to healthcare providers is remarkably low. This is a challenge that requires urgent attention. Recommendations include integrating the use of CAM into medical practice, developing national policy guidelines on CAM, working in collaboration with traditional/spiritual healers, and conducting public education campaigns.