Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and its association with antibiotic usage practices: A nationally...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Background:

• Inappropriate antibiotic use is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is widely used alongside conventional treatments in multicultural Singapore.
• Understanding the relationship between CAM use and antibiotic practices is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and antibiotic usage practices in Singapore.
• To identify factors associated with CAM use and their knowledge of antibiotic use and AMR.

Main Methods:

• A nationally representative cross-sectional survey of 2004 respondents was conducted in Singapore.
• CAM use was defined to include traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, Jamu, Ayurvedic medicine, and herbal remedies.
• Multivariable logistic regression analyzed the association between CAM use and good antibiotic usage practices, controlling for sociodemographic factors.

Main Results:

• 34% of respondents reported using CAM. CAM users were more likely to be female, Chinese, highly educated, and reside in higher-tier housing.
• CAM use was positively associated with good antibiotic usage practices (adjusted odds ratio 1.23, P=0.048).
• Key motivations for CAM use included recommendations from family/friends and concerns about Western medicine side effects.

Conclusions:

• CAM use is positively associated with good antibiotic usage practices in Singapore.
• Educational interventions leveraging social networks and addressing antibiotic side effects could improve antibiotic stewardship.
• Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind this association and its public health implications.