Abstract
Objective: The use of traditional and complementary medicine (TCAM) methods for the alleviation of symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing. We aimed to determine the use of TCAM methods in COPD patients.
Materials and Methods: Patients with COPD who were admitted pulmonary diseases clinic between December 2018-February 2019 were included to study. Patients were asked questions measuring their tendency about TCAM methods and demographic data were recorded.
Results: The mean age of the 94 patients was 65.6±10.0 (min:42, max:84) and 84% (79) of the participants was male, 16% (n=15) was female. 39.4% (n=37) of the patients declared that they was used at least one TCAM methods and 70.3% (n=26) of them have benefit from this method. Herbal, apitherapy, apitherapy and herbal treatments together and aromatherapy method rates were 73%, 8.1%, 10.8%, 8.1% respectively. It was seen that 82.2% (n=74) of the patients wanted to get information from their physician about TCAM methods. When patients were divided into groups accor-ding to their stages; it was observed that late stage (end and severe stage) patients used TCAM method more than early and moderate stage (p=0.004).
Conclusion: We think that the use of TCAM methods should be questioned by the health personnel.