Understanding the Role of Information Sources in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults in Ajman: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

The popularity of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is increasing worldwide. A considerable rise in the knowledge and utilization of CAM has been reported across the world in the past decade. This study aims to identify the various sources of information regarding CAM among the adults in Ajman, UAE. A cross-sectional study was performed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Participants’ sources of information regarding CAM were elicited in addition to socio-demographic characteristics. The questionnaires were distributed to 414 participants individually after obtaining their written consent. SPSS version 27 was used to perform the Chi-square test, and the association between sources of information and the use of CAM was derived. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study's results showed that 67.2% of the respondents gained information on CAM through family, 55.8% through friends, and 46.4% through the Internet/social media. Healthcare professionals were the main source for 36.5% of the participants. Television was reported as the major source by 29.5%. The least reported source of information on CAM was magazines/newspapers, used by 25.1% of the participants. Among the 414 participants in the study, the primary source of information regarding CAM is family (67.2%), followed by friends, internet/social media, healthcare professionals, and television. Newspapers and magazines were the least reported sources to acquire information. The study recommends that healthcare educators disseminate appropriate information regarding reliable and authentic sources of information regarding CAM, which would determine their favourable attitude and approach towards it.