Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Elderly Diabetic Patients attending Assiut University and Health Insurance Hospitals

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Nursing Specialist in Assiut Chest Hospital

2 Community Health Nursing.Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University

3 Public Health and Community Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University

Abstract

Background: Diabetes among elderly population is difficult because of complex co-morbid conditions and the generally lower functional status of elderly patients. In recent years, there is a rising concern that many patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Aim of the study: Determine the percentage of CAM use and its related factors in elderly diabetic patients attending diabetes clinics in Assiut city. Subjects and Methods: cross-sectional study was done. The data for this study were collected with 400 elderly diabetic patients attending diabetes outpatient clinics of Assiut University and Health Insurance Hospitals. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection from the first day of September 2013 to the first week of October 2013. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: About one third (33.8%) of the respondents used CAM in addition to conventional medicine. Most common type used was herbal medicine. The CAM use was more frequent among male patients, aged 65- < 70 years, university educated and urban residents. Conclusion: About one third of the studied elderly diabetic patients used CAM and conventional medicine in managing their illness There is statistical significant difference between CAM use and sex and level of education of our respondents. Recommendations: Evidence-based CAM information should be provided to patients as part of diabetes routine management and counseling.

Keywords

Assiut Scientific Nursing Journal
Volume 2, Issue 3
June 2014
Pages 102-114

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