Use and Views on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is being increasingly used by people all over the world. Geriatrics is a specialty that focuses on care of elderly people. The objective is to enhance the health of older adults by both preventing and addressing diseases and disabilities. Geriatrics stands apart from conventional adult medicine due to its specialized emphasis on addressing the distinct requirements of the elderly population. Hence, they prefer more CAM than young age group. Objectives of the Study: (1) To determine the use and perceived benefits of CAM among geriatric patients and (2) to find association between use of CAM and selected demographic variables. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive research design and included a sample of 100 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above who were seeking care at the general medicine outpatient department of AIMS Kochi. Questionnaire was developed by the researchers after reviewing similar studies in the past and was validated. The questionnaire included the type of CAM used, CAM received from physician, use of herbal medicine and dietary supplements, self-help practices, and perception on CAM. Results: Majority used yoga, ayurveda for chronic illness, most of them received herbal and dietary advices as a part of treatment for acute illness regular and reported much relief of aliments, majority (69%) used self-help medications, which were useful for acute illness. Regarding perception on use of CAM, 62% had good perception, 36% had average perception, and 2% had poor perception on use of CAM. Conclusion: The use of CAM is increasing these days and recommendation for their use in acute illness is less compared to chronic illness.