Abstract:

Purpose:This study was conducted to determine the complementary and alternative medicine used by individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus for blood glucose control as well as their self-efficacy level and the factors affecting the use of CAM.  Materials and Methods:This descriptive study was conducted with a total of 350 individuals with diabetes mellitus in a university hospital. In order to collect the data, Personal information form including descriptive and disease characteristics of the individuals, Self-efficacy Scale for patients with Type 2 Diabetes, and the complementary and alternative medicine questionnaire were used.   Results:The average age of all individuals participated in the study was 55.83±8.82 (min: 29-max:78). The rate of current CAM use of the patients was 38.3%. According to the logistic regression analysis, self-efficacy total score, fasting blood glucose, and going to physician control after 6 months were found to be the important determinants for the use of CAM.  Conclusion:Especially herbal products from the complementary and alternative medicine methods were determined to be commonly used. It was also determined that the majority of the patients did not inform the healthcare professionals about the use of CAM during their routine controls. In this respect, especially the nurses, who have important roles in diabetes management, spend more time with the patients, and involve directly in their care, should question the use of CAM and the importance of informing the healthcare professionals by the individuals about the use of CAM should be emphasized.

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