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

Research Authors
Asmaa Massod Attia, Safaa Ahmed Kotb, Ekram Mohamed Abdel Khalek, & Asmaa Kamal Hassan.
Research Department
Research Journal
Assiut Scientific Nursing Journal
Research Member
Research Publisher
NULL
Research Rank
2
Research Vol
Vol. (2), No. (3)
Research Website
NULL
Research Year
2014
Research_Pages
102-114
Research 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.