Prevalence and Factors Associated with Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Iranian Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among diabetic patients in Fasa, a city in southern Iran. Methods Data were collected from diabetic patients who visited the endocrinology clinics at Fasa University of Medical Science. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather information on CAM use, including the types of CAM modalities used, and reasons for use. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, such as age, gender, duration of diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and quality of life (QoL) were also recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of CAM use, while logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with CAM use. Results A total of 376 diabetic patients participated in the study, with more than 89% reporting CAM use within the past year. Herbal preparations were the most commonly used type of CAM, with a prevalence rate of 99.4%. Factors associated with CAM use included patients' psychological health, attitude towards the safety of CAM, belief in the synergistic effects of combining routine medications with CAM, and previous positive experiences with CAM. Conclusion The high prevalence of CAM, highlight the importance of considering it in diabetes management and highlight the need for healthcare professionals’ engagement in open discussions with patients about their CAM practices. Understanding the factors influencing CAM use can inform healthcare providers and policymakers in developing appropriate strategies for integrating CAM approaches into conventional diabetes care.