title: The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Lebanese Adults: Results from a National Survey.
abstract: Objective. To examine the prevalence and correlates of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use in Lebanon. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted through face to face interviews on a nationally representative sample of 1,475 Lebanese adults. The survey questionnaire explored the sociodemographic and health related characteristics as well as the types and modes of CAM use. The main outcome in this study was the use of CAM during the last 12 months. Results. Prevalence of CAM use was 29.87% with "folk herbs" being the most commonly used (75%). Two out of five CAM users indicated using it as alternative to conventional therapies and only 28.4% of users disclosed the use of CAM to their physician. CAM use was significantly associated with higher income, presence of a chronic disease, and lack of access to needed health care. Lower odds of CAM use were observed among older adults and those with a higher education level. Conclusions. This study revealed a high prevalence of CAM use in Lebanon. Health policy and decision makers need to facilitate proper regulation and integration of CAM into mainstream medicine and educate health care providers and the public alike on the safe and effective use of CAM therapies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh Square, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Naja
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh Square, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alameddine
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Riad El-Solh Square, P.O. Box 11-5020, Beirut 1107 2809, Lebanon.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Itani
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh Square, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shoaib
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh Square, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hariri
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh Square, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Talhouk