Table 3 Prevalence, modes and characteristics of CAM use among patients with T2DM (n = 96)a
Prevalence and types of CAM used among diabetic patients | n (%) |
|---|---|
Used CAM since diagnosis (n = 244) | |
 No | 148 (60.7) |
 Yes | 96 (39.3) |
Used CAM in the previous year among CAM users (n = 95) | |
 Yes | 86 (90.5) |
 No | 9 (9.5) |
CAM related characteristics among CAM users | |
 CAM choice (n = 96) | |
  Family beliefs, traditions, etc. | 41 (42.7) |
  Friends suggestion | 24 (25) |
  Internet, social media, etc. | 17 (17.7) |
  Health practitioner | 13 (13.5) |
  Not applicable | 1 (1.0) |
 Frequency of CAM use (n = 96) | |
  Once/month or less | 24 (25.0) |
  Once/week | 16 (16.7) |
  2 or more times/week | 38 (39.6) |
  Daily | 18 (18.8) |
 Reasons of CAM use (n = 95) | |
  Belief in the benefits of CAM practices | 63 (66.3) |
  Disappointed with conventional medical therapy | 22 (23.2) |
  Trying it as it was suggested to you | 10 (10.5) |
 What was your expectation when you were using CAM (n = 95) | |
  Prevention of the progression of disease | 76 (80) |
  No expectation | 10 (10.5) |
  Symptoms relief | 6 (6.3) |
  Complete cure of disease | 3 (3.2) |
 Side effects from CAM use (n = 96) | |
  No | 71 (74) |
  Yes | 10 (10.4) |
  Not applicable | 8 (8.3) |
  Not sure | 7 (7.3) |
 Would you recommend CAM to other T2DM patients? (n = 96) | |
  Yes | 53 (55.2) |
  Undecided | 29 (30.2) |
  No | 14 (14.6) |
 Did you consult a doctor before using CAM (n = 96) | |
  No | 73 (76) |
  Yes | 21 (21.9) |
  Not Applicable | 2 (2.1) |
CAM related characteristics among diabetic non-users | |
 Reasons for not using CAM (n = 148) | |
  I don’t want additional burden | 72 (48.6) |
  I’ve never heard of it | 26 (17.6) |
  I don’t believe in it | 21 (14.2) |
  My doctor didn’t prescribe it | 21 (14.2) |
  I’m afraid of the side effects | 8 (5.4) |
 Would you consider using in the future (n = 148) | |
  No | 117 (79.1) |
  Yes | 31 (20.9) |