Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has emerged as people seek additional ways to alleviate pain and manage illnesses. Its usage is increasing among populations worldwide, including in both developed and developing countries, and notably among surgical patients. Understanding the perceived adverse effects, safety perceptions, and factors influencing CAM use is essential to inform advocacy for proper regulation. A cross-sectional study was conducted among surgical outpatients at a tertiary hospital. A total of 150 patients, aged 18 to 85 years, were recruited. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Among respondents, the lifetime prevalence of CAM use was 76%, while the current (point) prevalence was 37.3%. CAM was used for surgical complaints by 30.4% of current users. Biological-based therapies accounted for 110 (72%) of CAM usage, with unbranded herbal products representing over two-thirds of these therapies. Approximately one-third of patients (46, 30.7%) considered CAM to be safe, while 62 (41.3%) were uncertain about its safety. Only 15 (13.2%) and 6 (5.3%) of participants reported experiencing side effects and drug interactions, respectively. Factors associated with CAM use included older age, monthly income below 10,000 Naira, positive safety perception, and beliefs regarding CAM. CAM usage among surgical outpatients is notably high. Key factors influencing its use include patient age, perception of safety, and income level.
