COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM) USE AMONG PATIENTS ADMITTED IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF PESHAWAR DETERMINING ITS PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS.

Objectives: The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by the general population andadmitted in hospitals has been on the increase. The study was carried to find out the prevalence of CAM useamong patients admitted in the tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar.Methods: This was a cross sectional study. The investigators administered a structured questionnaire to 400patients admitted in tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar. Data were analyzed using statistical package forsocial sciences version 13.0.Results: It was found that 189/400 (47.25%) patients had used CAM. There was association betweenchronic diseases and CAM. The association between illiteracy and CAM use was significant. There seemedto be a preference for use of Hakimi medicine over other forms of CAM being studied i.e. homeopathic,herbal, nutritional supplements. Most of the patients turned to CAM use on advice from their friends andfamily. Hence peer pressure was an important factor in increasing CAM use.Conclusion: In conclusion, CAM use is prevalent in our in-hospital population, and its undisclosed use canhave important medical and peri-operativeImplications.Keywords: CAM Use, Patients, Tertiary Care Hospitals, Prevalence.