Reasons of using complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) among elderly Malaysians of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor states: An exploratory study

Abstract

a b s t r a c tBackground: This study is aimed to explore the types of CAM and reasons of using CAM among elderly Malaysians. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 256 conveniently selected elderly Malaysians who were residing in the states of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. A pre-validated interviewadministered questionnaire was used to gather information. Data was entered into PASW version 18 and analyzed. Results: A total of 256 questionnaires were included in the study. A response rate of 64% was achieved. Out of 256 respondents, 92 (35.9%) were male while 164 (64.1%) were female. More than half of the respondents (n ¼ 141; 55.1%) agreed that CAM is more effective than allopathic medicine. Chinese respondents showed strong belief in the effectiveness of CAM. In terms of safety of CAM, close to three quarters of respondents (n ¼ 178; 69.5%) believed that CAM is safer than allopathic medicine. A large majority of respondents agreed that CAM has less side effects compared to allopathic medicine (n ¼ 201; 78.5%) and also agreed that CAM is good to maintain overall health and wellbeing (n ¼ 212; 82.8%). A majority of the respondents expressed that they use CAM because allopathic medicine is less effective (n ¼ 113; 44.1%). Conclusion: The current study reflects the reasons of using CAM among lay public from different ethnicities. There are no reports of adverse effects related to CAM use. Future approaches should be intended for awareness campaigns for consumers, highlighting safety profile of CAM and as well as forbidding their use without the consultation of healthcare professional.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Towards Medicinal Plants among Malaysian Consumers

“…Kautsar et al discussed the buying trends of herbal based products in Malaysia based on the frequency of usage herbal medicine, customer loyalty and buying intention [33]. Consumption of herbal products also influenced by the culture and ethnic according to the study by Aziz and Tey [34] and supported by Mitha et al [35]. Besides that, Ching et al mentioned that the chronic diseases suffered by the individuals also impact the usage of herbal goods.…”

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among Breast Cancer Patients in a Public Hospital in Padang, Indonesia

“…13 In Malaysia the use of cam is also very popular. [14][15] In Indonesia, CAM therapies are used more than 40% of the population and 70% of them was villagers. 3 The Minister of Health Regulation state that CAM treatment was a continuous service effort as a promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative.…”

Association between belief and attitude toward preference of complementary alternative medicine use

“…Perceptions and attitude patterns have been greatly researched in an attempt to understand preference toward CAM use, especially in chronic ill patients 6,7. To most consumers, CAM is believed to be a much safer alternative than conventional medicine 8. Furthermore, CAM is seen as a holistic approach to health and well-being over which to maintain personal control 9.…”