Abstract
BACKGROUND: CAM is widely accepted for the management of diabetes, and CAM users from many countries showed positive perception towards its use. However, little is known about the perception of individuals with diabetes in Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to assess the perception of the individuals with diabetes of Jazan region in Saudi Arabia towards CAM. METHODS: An online, anonymous cross-sectional survey was designed and conducted between September 5 and December 31, 2021. Data were collected using 19-item self-report survey from the individuals with diabetes of the Jazan region. RESULTS: A total of 359 validated responses were received. Approximately, 34% of the participants reported using CAM with modern medicine to control diabetes. Most of the participants reported that CAM is affordable, accessible, acceptable, and effective. Of the study sample, 28% reported using herbal medicine to control diabetes. Significantly, higher percentages of CAM users reported media (42% vs 27%) and friends/family (31% vs 27%) as the primary sources of information about CAM as compared to non-CAM users. Individuals who used CAM for diabetes showed significantly more positive perception (β = 2.386; p=0.001) than those who did not use CAM in the adjusted analysis. Similarly, students had a significantly higher positive perception towards CAM (β = 4.121; p=0.013) compared to employed individuals. CONCLUSION: A quarter of the sample of individuals with diabetes used herbal medicine to control diabetes. Individuals who ever used CAM for diabetes showed positive perception towards CAM. However, there is a need of healthcare workers to be involved in educating the individuals with diabetes and the general public in order to use CAM more effectively and safely.