Complementary and Alternative Medicine Uses of Individuals Diagnosed With Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of CAM practices by individuals who have been admitted to health institutions and have been diagnosed with chronic diseases. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of chronic disease were included in this cross-sectional observational study. The use of 15 CAM modalities were evaluated in accordance with the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Regulations. Logistic regression analysis was further performed the association between CAM use and related factors. Results: The mean age of 692 people in the study group was 50.6±13.6 years. In this study, the frequency of CAM use was found to be 37.1%. Univariate and age adjusted univariate logistic regression analysis performed to determine the correlation of the use of CAM practices with respect to sociodemographic variables and health-related variables revealed that being a woman, admitting to faculty of medicine, not having an income-generating job and living in an extended family were found to be positive predictors of CAM use. Conclusion: The fact that one out of every three patients diagnosed with a chronic disease and who have admitted to a health care institution had already experienced CAM practices indicate that the orientation towards CAM practices is quite high. Further comprehensive research is necessary with regard to planning the integration of CAM practices into health services.