Usage of Complementary Alternative Medicine among the Patients Attending Tertiary Care Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v11i3.1211Keywords:
Complementary Alternative medicine, alternative medicine, Ayruveda, Homeopathy, Unani.Abstract
Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) includes Ayruveda, Homeopathy, Unani,
yoga and Naturopathy, and other traditional medicine.
Aim and Objectives: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of usage of CAM among the
patients attending tertiary care hospital.
Methodology: It was observational study. 528 patients were included in to the study randomly from outpatient
department. Study instrument was a pre-designed, pre-tested,semi-structured schedule.
Results: The prevalence of Complementary alternative Medicine usage was 22.3%. Homeopathy was used
most commonly (59.3%) by the users. 10.2% of users were continuing the usage of CAM. Most common
indications for usage of CAM were musculo-skeletal problems (29.7%), allergies (23.7%).
Conclusion: Around one-fourth of patients attending tertiary care hospital were using CAM. Patients opted
for CAM because of lesser side effects and more effective. Only few percent revealed to the doctors about
the usage of CAM.