Use of complementary and alternative medicine among the health care consumers of modern medicine

ABSTRACT

Complementary and Alternative Medicine is popular across the world and is widely practiced. Utilization pattern and reasons for use and non-use among patients attending tertiary care centre is assessed in this study. One hundred and twenty six patients of different nationalities, above the age 18 years, visiting various outpatient departments of Gulf Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Ajman, UAE were interviewed using an open ended structured questionnaire. In addition to socio-demographic characteristics, acceptability, utilization pattern, reasons for use and non-use were elicited from the participants after obtaining consent from them. PASW 18 version was used to perform Chi-square test and descriptive statistics. The 135 participants were 20-81 years old, with 49% being below 40 years of age. Among the Indians, who constituted 52% of the sample, 60% were males, 70% having university education, but non working in a medical field of the 29% who had 'ever used' CAM, 54% were females. Those from the Far East used CAM most [85.7%], the next highest homeopathy and the medical condition musculoskeletal problems. A greater percentage of users administered internal preparations. Physicians had advised 30% of the users whereas non-medical information was used as source by the others. A family history of CAM was observed in 13 [10%], the conditions for which it was used being gall stone, renal problems and musculoskeletal conditions and others. Around 70% reported a good outcome for themselves and family, although only 10% recommended it to others. Most of the users [75%] were not sure whether CAM was based on scientific evidence, while 18% felt it was; 46% opined it had fewer side effects, and 44% felt it had long term effect. Good previous experience and less treatment complications were the most common reasons for using CAM. Non-use was due to lack of knowledge or absence of a need