Abdul Rouf Pallivalappila1, Derek Stewart2, Ashalatha Shetty3, Binita Pande4, Rajvir Singh5, James S Mclay6. 1. Institute of Medical Sciences, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK. 2. School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 7QJ, UK. 3. Royal Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen AB25 2ZL, UK. 4. Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK. 5. Biostatistics, Medical Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. 6. Institute of Medical Sciences, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK. Electronic address: j.mclay@abdn.ac.uk.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and explore predictors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use during early pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire survey of pregnant women (500) attending for mid trimester scan at the maternity services in Grampian, North-East Scotland. Outcome measures included; CAM used; vitamins and minerals used; independent predictors of use; views and experiences. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. RESULTS: The response rate was 66%. Two thirds of respondents (63%) reported using CAM, excluding vitamins and minerals, during early pregnancy. Respondents reported using a total of 28 different CAM modalities, of which oral herbal products were the most common (37% of respondents, 25 different products). The independent predictors of CAM use identified were: use by family and friends (OR 4.1, 95% CI 2.3-7.3, p<0.001); ethnicity (non-white British) (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.8-6.8, p<0.001); and use prior to pregnancy (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.8, p=0.014). In comparison to prescribed medicines, most users were uncertain if CAM were safer (63%), more effective (66%), free from possible adverse effects (46%) or drug-CAM interactions (50%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the majority of respondents being uncertain about their safety and effectiveness, CAM modalities and CAM products are widely used during the early stages of pregnancy in this study population. The role of family and friends rather than health professionals in the decision to use CAM may be of concern and requires further investigation.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and explore predictors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use during early pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire survey of pregnant women (500) attending for mid trimester scan at the maternity services in Grampian, North-East Scotland. Outcome measures included; CAM used; vitamins and minerals used; independent predictors of use; views and experiences. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. RESULTS: The response rate was 66%. Two thirds of respondents (63%) reported using CAM, excluding vitamins and minerals, during early pregnancy. Respondents reported using a total of 28 different CAM modalities, of which oral herbal products were the most common (37% of respondents, 25 different products). The independent predictors of CAM use identified were: use by family and friends (OR 4.1, 95% CI 2.3-7.3, p<0.001); ethnicity (non-white British) (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.8-6.8, p<0.001); and use prior to pregnancy (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.8, p=0.014). In comparison to prescribed medicines, most users were uncertain if CAM were safer (63%), more effective (66%), free from possible adverse effects (46%) or drug-CAM interactions (50%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the majority of respondents being uncertain about their safety and effectiveness, CAM modalities and CAM products are widely used during the early stages of pregnancy in this study population. The role of family and friends rather than health professionals in the decision to use CAM may be of concern and requires further investigation.
Authors: James S McLay; Abdul R Pallivalappila; Ashalatha Shetty; Binita Pande; Moza Al Hail; Derek Stewart Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-02-25 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: James S McLay; Naila Izzati; Abdul R Pallivalapila; Ashalatha Shetty; Binita Pande; Craig Rore; Moza Al Hail; Derek Stewart Journal: BMC Complement Altern Med Date: 2017-12-19 Impact factor: 3.659