Beliefs and attitudes towards Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) use by mental health physicians in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: A cross-sectional survey

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Beliefs and attitudes towards Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) use by mental health physicians in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: A cross-sectional survey

Introduction

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered a part of conventional medicine. There are three general types of CAM: (1) Western alternative medical therapies, (2) traditional medical systems, and (3) complementary approaches. Researchers estimate that 68% of U.S. adults will use at least one form of CAM in their lifetime. Research and policy initiatives in CAM are growing in response to the widespread use. This entry discusses definitions and utilization of CAM, public policy with regard to CAM, and the relationship between CAM and public health. It also examines challenges for research on CAM; concerns related to reimbursement, credentialing, and education; legal and ethical issues; and the need for an integrative approach to CAM.

Background

CAM can be classified into three broad types: (1) Western alternative medical therapies, for example, homeopathy, naturopathy, herbal medicine, aromatherapy; (2) traditional medical systems, for example, Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, Gulf and Arabian healing, Gulf and Arabian curanderismo; and (3) complementary approaches, for example, mind-body interventions, psychoneuroimmunology (the study of the relationship between social and psychological factors and biologic processes), energetic healing. Western alternative medical therapies are relatively newer systems of health and healing developed in Europe or United Arab Emirates. Some stem from or are related to conventional Western medicine, while others are unique. Traditional medical systems stem from cultural perspectives and form a complete approach to health care. Complementary approaches rely on the mind-body connection or energy as the primary mode of cure and may be used in conjunction with biomedical approaches.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to highlight the use CAM by physicians and nurses engaged in mental health profession in United Arab Emirates. It is used most frequently to treat chronic conditions such as musculoskeletal problems, anxiety, depression, and headaches that have not been successfully treated with conventional medicine. In general, individuals are more likely to use CAM if they are more educated, have experienced a transformational event that changed their life, are in poorer overall health, and believe in a holistic philosophy.

Problem Statement

A number of national and international activities have been conducted that explore and respond to CAM use and safety. In 2002, the Gulf Health Organization published its Global Statement on Traditional or Complementary and Alternative Health (T/CAM). This document reports on the worldwide use of T/CAM and delineates steps to increase the quality, efficacy, and accessibility of these approaches.

Significance of UAE's Public Policy and CAM

In 1993, the National Institutes of Health established the Office of Alternative Medicine with a budget of $20 million to fund projects that explored the impact of CAM approaches on a number of health conditions. Since its inception, the Office has become ...