The use of complementary and alternative medicine in fertility and gynaecological disorders in Jordan: a mixed-method descriptive study

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the extent of CAM use, with emphasis on herbs, in treating gynecological disorders, and their perceived efficacy and safety. This was a mixed-method study of two parts (cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative study) of 338 women suffering from gynecological disorders during the last 3 months. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire of three parts: demographics, medical history and the CAM use patterns. Qualitative part was conducted by a 20-min verbal face-to-face interview. During the last 3 months, 232 (68.64%) of participants had used CAM for various gynaecological conditions, of which, 135 (58.19%) used herbal remedies. Almost half of participants have a good awareness about CAM definition, and they mainly used CAM before or concurrently with traditional medicines. This study provides an overview of various CAM remedies used to treat gynaecological disorders in the Jordanian society, which would draw attention to the necessity of conducting interventional studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CAM in treating gynaecological disorders, either as stand-alone or adjuvant treatment.