GLOBAL HEALTHCARE CONFERENCE 2023

Athira Suresh Kumar

Gulf Medical University, UAE

Title: Utilization of complementary and alternative medicine for the management of chronic diseases among adults in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background: As the general population is expanding their choices regarding healthcare, many stray away from conventional modes of treatment and opt for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), for the management of various health conditions. 

Aim: This study investigated the utilization of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for the management of various health conditions among the adult population in Ajman, UAE. 

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 participants in Ajman using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A chi-square test was performed on SPSS version 27 to assess the association between the use of CAM and factors. Statistical significance was set top?0.05. 

Results: 57% participants reported using CAM. Among these, 23% used for anxiety and stress, 7.6% for hypertension, 3.3% for cholesterol, followed by 0.9%, 0.5% and 0.5% for diabetes mellitus, stroke and heart failure respectively. Having good literacy regarding CAM was seen to positively influence the use of CAM. 

Conclusions: From the results of the study, it can be concluded that the majority (57%) of the participants have used CAM before. Most of the participants utilized CAM to manage chronic conditions (81.9%).

Biography

Athira Suresh Kumar is currently doing an MBBS course in Gulf Medical University, UAE. She has been an active member of the healthcare community through her engagement in various conferences, seminars, volunteering events and workshops. She has been a part of multiple research projects as well.