Abstract:

Aim: This study aims to determine complementary-alternative therapy (CAM) usage, attitudes and the factors affecting in women. Method: The study sample comprises 582 female participants aged 18-65. The data of the cross-sectional study were collected through online platforms between October and December 2022. The data were collected via the "Individual descriptive characteristics form" and the "Holistic complementary and alternative health questionnaire (HCAMQ)". Research data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 23.0 programs. Results: The mean age of the participants was 41.91±10.66. More than half of the women had a bachelor's degree or higher education level (52.9%) and were working (52.6%) in the study. Herbal products (25.9%) was most frequently preferred CAM approach. Believing that CAM is natural (17.9%) and losing weight (14.3%) were main reasons for CAM usage. 60% of women reported that they obtained information through their friends. The mean HCAMQ scores of the females was 33.19±6.22. While educational status, working status and using CAM positively increased the attitude towards CAM (p<0.05); there was no statistically significant difference between women's HCAMQ scores and age, marital status, presence of chronic disease and prescription drug use (p>0.05). Conclusion: The study findings showed that women had a positive attitude towards CAM; one out of every four women used at least one CAM method, especially herbal products, and the women's main sources of information were their friends. Despite the widespread usage of CAM, there are some important uncertainties about CAM approaches. In this context, the study authors recommend that healthcare personnel have information about the effects and possible side effects of CAM approaches, and lead in the creation of care bundles or protocols containing CAM.

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