Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward complementary alternative medicine in the UAE: A cross- sectional study

Introduction

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) encompasses utilization of traditional approaches in treating illnesses. The literature on CAM in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) shows varying awarness and practice. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards CAM in the UAE.

Methods

The study utilized a cross-sectional design and collected data between January and March 2023 from adults in the UAE. Using convenience sampling, participants were invited to participate from public areas. A total of 964 individuals participated in the study by filling the survey electronically. Data were collecting using the CAM knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaire. This study received ethical approval from Research Ethics and Integrity Committee at the Higher Colleges of Technology.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 31.32 years (+-10.66). The majority of the participants were Emirati (89.5 %), female (71.6 %), married (54.4 %) and held a bachelor's degree (40.4 %). Data on CAM knowledge showed that 66.7 % of the participants recognized CAM, mostly from family and friends (38 %). More than half (56.5 %) of the participants recognized the types of CAM, with Hijama as the most well known type. The majority of the participants (80.1 %) had a positive attitude toward CAM practice. Separated participants were 3.187 times less likely to exhibit positive attitude toward CAM than single participants (OR = -3.187., 95 %CI [.005, 0.345]) and Muslims were 3.517 times more likely to exhibit positive attitude toward CAM (OR = -3.517., 95 %CI [4.717, 240.673]). Moreover, 39.3 % of the participants tried CAM mostly to relieve pain (54.8 %). There was a significant correlation between age and knowledge about CAM (r = 0.147, p < 0.001) and between knowledge and attitude toward CAM (r = 0.149, p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between attitude toward CAM and knowledge about Hijama (r = 0.136, p < 0.001), acupuncture (r = 0.192, p < 0.001), dietary supplements (r = 0.180, p < 0.001), and herbal medicine (r = 0.161, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In the UAE, there is considerable knowledge and acceptance of CAM. Recommendations are geared toward the involvement of healthcare professionals in CAM prescription and control. Community awareness about CAM is recommended to bridge the gap between safety, risks and benefits.