Trends in the use of complementary and alternative medicine in Pakistan: a population-based survey

The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent of use of complementary and alternative systems of medicine by different segments of society and to identify the diseases in which they have been found to be effective.

This was a questionnaire-based descriptive study carried out from April 2002 to March 2004, in selected urban and rural areas of four provinces of Pakistan representing general strata of population from various socioeconomic conditions.

The overall trend in Pakistan shows that 51.7% (CI 54.3-49.1) chose complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) while 48.3% (CI 50.71-48.89) chose biomedicine. Of those who chose CAM, 20% (CI 21-19) also used biomedicine as well; 16% (CI 16.8-15.2) homeopathy, 12.4% (CI 13.02-11.78) unani medicine, 2.1% (CI 2.20-1.99) mind-body medicine (faith healing), 0.9% biologically based practices (home remedies, diet and nutrition) 0.05% energy medicine (Reiki), 0.05% Traditional Chinese Medicine, and 0.02% aromatherapy.

About half of the studied population used CAM. The population estimates of use of CAM are within the range reported elsewhere. It reflects an increasing popularity of CAM in Pakistan as well. Combined use of biomedicine with CAM was common and often patients did not reveal the use of CAM to the biomedicine practitioners.