Perception and utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among University of Sharjah (UOS) students

Abstract

Background: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a term used for practices and use of products other than conventional standard evidence-based medical care. Objective: To assess the CAM knowledge and utilization among University of Sharjah students, UAE. Method: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted. 250 surveys among UOS students were distributed. The data was obtained through a well-designed questionnaire of 3 main categories. The first part was designed to collect socio-demographic data, while the second part mainly measured CAM knowledge and the practicing pattern. The last section was developed to assess CAM beliefs and psychological behavior behind CAM utilization. Results: 214 participants agreed to participate (response rate 85.6%), and 81% reported their belief in CAM as medical therapy. The reason behind their belief in CAM was due to efficacy (37%) and safety (21%). Approximately 74% of participants claimed their CAM knowledge, and the most frequently used CAM therapy was cupping. Most participants (47%) gained their knowledge from regular courses offered by UOS. Around 33% of the participants consult their physicians before utilizing CAM therapy. However, 42% utilized CAM by unlicensed practitioners. Conclusion: Obtained results indicated the high level of CAM knowledge among UOS students in particular females while cupping being the most frequent used CAM therapy. The main reasons justifying the use of cupping was religion, and cultural-based. The lack of sufficient scientific data and the minimal link between the physician and the consumers were the main obstacles attributed to the limited use of CAM.

Diets and dietary supplements used during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional survey

“…The use of alternative remedies like DDS for the management of diseases in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as in the Middle East is a widespread practice that has historical, traditional, and religious roots ( Ahmed et al, 2015 ; al Marshedi et al, 2017; AlBraik et al, 2008 , Dha, 2011 , Ibrahim et al, 2019 , Muttappallymyalil et al, 2013 , Sridhar et al, 2017 ). Before the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have estimated the prevalence of DDS use to be between 35% and 39% in the UAE ( Abdulla et al, 2019b , Alhomoud et al, 2016 , Radwan et al, 2019 ).…”

Awareness on Traditional and Complementary Medicine among Undergraduate Students in Universiti Putra Malaysia

“…In Australia, dental students were found to have little to no knowledge of CAM (30). Positive attitude on T&CM was displayed for study in Saudi Arabia (28), Bangladesh (27), Ghana (25), Canada (31), and the United Arab Emirates (32).…”

“…In contrast, pharmacy students in Bangladesh mostly used homeopathy, ayurveda, meditation, and massage (27). Cupping was mainly used for University of Sharjah students (32). Notable differences were found for art or music therapy, cupping, hypnosis, prayer or spiritual healing, traditional herbs, and traditional massage.…”

The Effect of Socio-Demographic and Cultural Features on Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Healthcare Students

“…[11,13] A study conducted at a university in the United Arab Emirates found the rate of TCAM users as 34%, whereas another study from Uganda found that 59% of the participants used TCAM. [14,15] The rate of TCAM use varies from country to country and even in different regions of the same country.…”

“…Another available study found an association between education and gender variables and TCAM, in which the participants recommended the use of TCAM to others. [14] The research of Mederious found that, out of all socio-demographic variables, only the female gender was an influencing factor,whereas Mwaka et al [15] reported the class of participants as the influencing factor. [27] On the other hand, Samara et al [28] found the class, long-term location of residence and income level effective.…”