ABSTRACT
The acceptability and utilization of Complementary and Alternative Medicine [CAM] of healthcare professionals especially clinicians has been changing in the recent times. The present study assessed the acceptability, utilization pattern and reasons for opting for CAM among clinicians in a tertiary care centre in Ajman, UAE. A sample of thirty six clinicians, was drawn from the pool of clinicians working in Gulf Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Ajman, UAE. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, practice and attitude towards CAM, reasons for self use and recommending CAM to their patients. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were performed using PASW 18 version, and a p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The respondents were multinationals, their age ranging from 26-70 years, with a mean age of 41.3 +/- 9.8 years. The male to female ratio was 1:3. It was noted that 39% of the clinicians themselves used CAM. Joint pain was the most common clinical condition for its use. The common form of CAM practiced was Ayurveda and homeopathy [35.7% each], and the outcome of CAM use was good for the majority of the clinicians. Family history of CAM use was noted in 78.6% of the respondents. Based on their personal experience with CAM, 30.6% of the respondents recommended CAM to others. The chief reason for self-use and recommending CAM is its fewer side effects. Around 69% did not use or recommend CAM, and the reason quoted was CAM is not scientific. About 38.9% of clinicians felt CAM is scientifically sound, 55.6% opined that it had fewer side effects, and 38.9% felt that CAM had a long term effect. Clinicians practice and recommend CAM. The primary reason for practice and recommendation of CAM is fewer adverse effects while the lack of scientific evidence is the reason for others not to favori CAM