ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine the practice and varieties of Complementary and Alternative Medicine [CAM] for sore throat and common cold treatment in healthcare providers[HP] and the general population
METHOD: This is a questionnaire-based cross sectional study conducted at Ojha Campus, Dow International Medical Collge Karachi
RESULTS: This study shows that 62% of our total study population use CAM [62.8% healthcare providers, 61% general population]. Combination therapy was the most popular method of CAM usage [55.8% healthcare providers, 47% general population]. Family and friends were the most common source of CAM information in both groups. Steam, Saltwater gargles, Medicated vapors, honey and ginger were most frequently used, in both populations. Very few persons had a regular practice of informing their healthcare provider about their CAM use [23.8% healthcare providers, 2.7% general population]. Around 63% healthcare providers recommend CAM to their patients for treating sore throat. The most frequent reason for doing so being their personal effective experience
CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the high usage of CAM to treat sore throat. Some basic training in CAM should be considered for our healthcare providers, in order to integrate this cost effective form of therapy in our healthcare system. Healthcare providers should inquire about their patients' CAM usage to avoid interactions between the two forms of therapy