Complementary and alternative medicine for skin diseases: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of Philippine-based dermatologists

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The ubiquity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) mirrors patient interest and use. Nonetheless, many physicians are still hesitant to recommend and use CAM.Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Philippine-based dermatologists regarding CAM.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire. An in-depth interview was conducted among selected respondents.RESULTS: A total of 148 dermatologists responded. Most had adequate knowledge (58.78%) and a positive attitude about CAM (81.08%). Most respondents reported patient interest in CAM (70.95%) and recommended CAM (87.24%) for dermatologic conditions. Among respondents who recommended CAM, most recommended CAM as a complement to conventional treatment (73.76%) rather than as an alternative. Personal CAM use was reported by 30.41%. A positive attitude about CAM was directly related to increased likelihood of recommending CAM to patients (p=0.00) and to personal use of CAM (p=0.003).CONCLUSIONS: Respondents generally had a positive attitude about CAM and were open to recommending CAM as a complement to conventional treatment for dermatologic conditions.