Potential factors that influence usage of complementary and alternative medicine worldwide: a systematic review

Abstract

Objectives To determine similarities and differences in the reasons for using or not using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) amongst general and condition-specific populations, and amongst populations in each region of the globe. Methods A literature search was performed on Pubmed, ScienceDirect and EMBASE. Keywords: ‘herbal medicine’ OR ‘herbal and dietary supplement’ OR ‘complementary and alternative medicine’ AND ‘reason’ OR ‘attitude’. Quantitative or qualitative original articles in English, published between 2003 and 2018 were reviewed. Conference proceedings, pilot studies, protocols, letters, and reviews were excluded. Papers were appraised using valid tools and a ‘risk of bias’ assessment was also performed. Thematic analysis was conducted. Reasons were coded in each paper, then codes were grouped into categories. If several categories reported similar reasons, these were combined into a theme. Themes were then analysed using χ2 tests to identify the main factors related to reasons for CAM usage. Results 231 publications were included. Reasons for CAM use amongst general and condition-specific populations were similar. The top three reasons for CAM use were: (1) having an expectation of benefits of CAM (84% of publications), (2) dissatisfaction with conventional medicine (37%) and (3) the perceived safety of CAM (37%). Internal health locus of control as an influencing factor was more likely to be reported in Western populations, whereas the social networks was a common factor amongst Asian populations (p < 0.05). Affordability, easy access to CAM and tradition were significant factors amongst African populations (p < 0.05). Negative attitudes towards CAM and satisfaction with conventional medicine (CM) were the main reasons for non-use (p < 0.05). Conclusions Dissatisfaction with CM and positive attitudes toward CAM, motivate people to use CAM. In contrast, satisfaction with CM and negative attitudes towards CAM are the main reasons for non-use.

Traditional and complementary medicine use and beliefs during COVID-19 outbreak: A cross-sectional survey among the general population in Turkey

“…The term T&CM refers to therapeutic products and procedure that are not a part of conventional medical care and used by patients without medical supervision [11] . There are several types of T&CM that are practiced in different regions that tend to make T&CM, a difficult phenomenon to identify and calculate [12] ; however, according to the published literature, the reported rate of T&CM use among the general population ranged from 9% to 76% globally [13] , [14] . T&CM therapeutic methods and preferences vary widely across the globe due to the socio-cultural, historical, traditions, diseases prevalence as well as religious background of the individuals [15] , [16] .…”

Community pharmacists’ use, perception and knowledge on dietary supplements: a cross sectional study

“…Moreover, internal health locus of control, social networks, affordability, easy access and tradition were documented as influencing factors. 2 Dissatisfaction with conventional medicine was recognized as the most important reason for use of herbal medicine. However, self-medication, missing risk awareness and non-expert consultation about herbal medicine could be harmful for the patient.…”

Is single‐point acupuncture effective in treating acute low back pain?

“…Recently, as complementary treatment modalities provide beneficial effects with minimum adverse events, an increasing number of patients are seeking complementary therapies in many disorders. [7][8][9] According to the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization, acupuncture is a safe and effective F I G U R E 1 GV-26 acupuncture point location treatment for pain. 10 Our study employed a single acupuncture needling technique to mitigate acute low back pain in one session.…”