Factors Influencing the Use of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) Among Patients with Type II Diabetes in Yemen

Abstract

Abstract: The interest in Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) has increased significantly in the last decade among both general population and patients with chronic diseases, however, little is known about the prevalence of TCAM use in patients with type II diabetes mellitus in Yemen. The aims of this study were to establish the evidence of prevalence of TCAM among Patients with type II diabetes in Yemen, and to identify the factors influencing the use of TCAM. Methods: Cross-Sectional survey of type II DM patients was conducted from October to November 2015 on diabetic patients recruited from four main hospitals in Sana’a. A total of 272 patients were face-to-face interviewed, participants completed a constructed questionnaire consisted of three sections: socio-demographic, diabetes characteristics and TCAM use characteristics. Descriptive statistics, chi square test was used to examine the relationship between independents variables and dependent variable. Those significant variables were entered into binary logistic regression to determine the predictors of TCAM use. Results: Prevalence of TCAM use among type II diabetic patients was 34.9%. Presence of diabetes complications and perceived effectiveness of TCAM combined with western medicine were independent predictors of TCAM use among diabetic patients in Yemen. Herbs were the most commonly used TCAM. The top three types of herbs used by the participants were Ginger (22.4%), garlic (22.4%) and Fenugreek (19.7%). Family and friends (41.0%), followed by other diabetic patients (21.1%), healthcare providers (19.0%) were the main source of information. There was no significant correlation between demographic characteristics and the use of CAM for diabetes. Conclusion: The use of TCAM therapies among Type II DM patients in Yemen is prevalent. Patients have strong trust in TCAM in terms of effectiveness. Decision makers and care providers must fully understand the potential risks and benefits of TCAM therapies to appropriately advise their patients. Healthcare provider should realize the patients’ choices for other therapies and be prepared to talk more about TCAM. Attention must be dedicated to educating diabetic patients on the importance of disclosing TCAM use to their physicians.