Abstract
BackgroundThere is a lack of data on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). This study examined the use of CAM among patients with CHD, the reasons and factors influencing their use, the types of CAM used, and the relationship between patient’s demographics and the use of CAM.MethodsIn order to determine the prevalence and usage of CAM among Palestinian patients with CHD, a cross-sectional descriptive study was performed from three different hospitals. Using a convenient sampling method, a questionnaire was completed in a face-to-face interview with the patients. Descriptive statistics were used for socio-demographic, and clinical variables. Siahpush scale was used to examine the attitude of CHD patients toward CAM use.ResultsOf the 150 patients that were interviewed, 128 (85.3%) of the patients completed the questionnaire. The majority of CAM users reported CAM use for health problems other than CHD, while a total of 59 (45.9%) patients have used CAM for their heart problems. On the other hand, it was found that the place of residency and pattern of CHD were significantly associated with CAM use (p = 0.039 and 0.044, respectively). In addition, religious practices were found to be the most common form of CAM used by patients, while body and traditional alternative methods were the least being used. A significant association between the attitudes of patients with CHD and their use of CAM was found (patients’ attitudes towards alternative medicine and natural remedies were p = 0.011 and 0.044, respectively).ConclusionsCAM use among our respondents is common. Despite a lack of evidence-based research supporting its potential benefits and side effects. Understanding the factors that affect CAM use by CHD patients offers healthcare workers and policymakers an opportunity to better understand CAM use and ultimately improve patient-physician interactions.
Highlights
There is a lack of data on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD)
A large portion of the Palestinian population uses CAM for a wide variety of health problems other than CHD, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney problems, and asthma, and for the preservation of overall health, despite it not being largely supported by the medical community
In Palestine, CAM is noticed to be popular among CHD patients, despite the lack of evidence-based research supporting its potential benefits and side effects, especially those who have undergone Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) procedures and among urban dwellers
Summary
There is a lack of data on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is known to be the number one cause of death in both men and women in the United States [1, 2]. It has an annual mortality rate of approximately 600,000 people, which represents one in every four deaths [1]. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most prevalent form of CVD and accounts for more than 358,000 deaths yearly, costing the United States $108.9 billion each year. CHD, an interchangeable concept with coronary artery disease, is a common term for plaque build-up in the coronary arteries, limiting blood flow to cardiac muscles and leading to ischemia [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
