The predictors of the use of complementary and alternative medicine among type 2 diabetes patients based on the health belief model.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with type 2 diabetes based on the health belief model (HBM).
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2019 (from April to September) on 837 type 2 diabetic patients by multi-stage sampling method. Valid and reliable tools (questionnaire of using CAM modalities based on the HBM, self-care behavior section, and use of CAM section) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24.
Results: Based on the results, the constructs of the HBM were able to predict 37% of the variance of behavior using CAM. Constructs of perceived threat, perceived barriers, and cues to action had the most significant effect on predicting the behavior of using CAM (p < 0.001). In this study, the mean (±SD) of patients' self-care behaviors were 26.72 (±3.21) (out of a score of 40). Based on the results of the Pearson correlation, a significant positive correlation was observed between perceived threat (r = 0.374) and cues to action (r = 0.303) with using CAM modalities (p < 0.001). There was also a significant negative correlation between perceived barriers and using of CAM (r = -0.589, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, the HBM is useful in predicting the use of CAM, and due to the significant impact constructs of perceived threat, perceived barriers, and cues to action, it is better to pay more attention to these constructs in educational programs for patients with type 2 diabetes. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.