Abstract
This study aims to investigate the patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and perception of CAM use amongst patients attending CAM clinics in Pokhara Sub-Metropolitan City (PSMC), western Nepal. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 501 proportionally selected patients attending 52 CAM clinics in PSMC. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires consisting of 16 questions related to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, indications, and patient’s perception of CAM use. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The patients with a higher education level, higher income, and aged above 40 years were found more likely to use CAM. Belief in the advantages of CAM therapy (n = 308, 61.5%) was the most commonly perceived reason for using CAM. CAM therapies were mainly adopted for gastrointestinal problems (n = 107, 21.4%) and paralysis (n = 89, 17.8%). Most of the patients (n = 382, 76.3%) had tried allopathic treatment prior to using CAM therapy for the same indication. A total of 279 patients (55.69%) were using more than 1 type of CAM therapy where the most commonly used therapies were Ayurveda (n = 384, 76.7%) and yoga (n = 141, 28.1%). The majority of the patients (n = 425, 84.8%) reported that they would advise others to use CAM therapy. Use of CAM is more common among patients with chronic conditions especially gastrointestinal disorders and paralysis for which they had already tried allopathic medicine. The majority of the patients viewed CAM as beneficial, cheaper, and free of side effects. However, studies on safety and efficacy of these CAM therapies are promptly needed in this region.
Published Version
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