The use of complementary and alternative medicine in dermatology patients in western Turkey

Abstract

Aim:The aims of this study were to determine the use of CAM  therapies by  dermatology patients, reasons behind this use, satisfaction and information about CAM, and any side effects.

Methods: This definitive research study was undertaken at the Dermatology Clinic of a training hospital in Western Turkey. A total of 297 patients, who applied to the dermatology polyclinic or who were admitted to the clinic, constitute the sample of the study. Chi-square tests were used to compare the demographic characteristics of those who did and did not use CAM.

Findings: The findings indicated that 21% of the individuals, all of whom had dermatological ailments, used the CAM method. The CAM was most commonly applied by individuals with dermatological ailments such as pruritis (35.5%), acne (17.7%) and alopecia (14.5%). Almost all patients herbs were used intensively. After the use of herbs, the most used method was prayer (16.2%). More than the half of the patients using alternative therapies (75.8%) reportedly did not discuss the use of CAM with their healthcare professionals.

Conclusions: Physicians and nurses could play a role in informing patients about the benefits and risks of using the CAM. Further studies and detailed examination of the beneficial and harmful effects of each method are necessary to provide more extensive and useful information on CAM methods.