Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Elderly People Attending Health Insurance Outpatient Clinics in Ismailia Governorate

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ministry of Health, Ismailia Governorate, El Sheikh Zayed Family Health Center.

2 Family Medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University.

Abstract

Background: Recent surveys concluded that the elderly people are using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) frequently. Use of CAM among older patients is considered significant challenge. Preventing adverse reactions and drug interactions associated with CAM use is complicated by the fact that only less than 50% of older patients disclose CAM use to their treating physicians. That is why it is essential for family physicians to explore knowledge, attitude and practice of elderly people towards CAM. Objective: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of elderly people towards complementary and alternative medicine. Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive study; it was conducted in March and April 2016, in health insurance outpatients clinics in Ismailia governorate. Sample size was 150 elderly people allocated consecutively over the two months. Results: About 84% of elderly have some knowledge regarding CAM; herbs were known by (75%) of the selected sample and their source of knowledge was mainly the media (56%) followed by their family and friends. The reported success rate of CAM to relieve symptoms of the study population was (54.7%). Regarding beliefs of the study participants about the use of CAM; (76%) believe in  CAM safety, (58.7%) believe that CAM is effective, while (54.7%) do not believe that CAM are better than drugs ,(64%) perceive that they need health education about CAM. Conclusion:  The current study concludes that CAM use is highly prevalent among people. However, there is a demand for better and consistent information about herbal medicine regarding effectiveness and safety

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