EVALUATING THE UTILIZATION OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE DURING ANTENATAL CARE AMONG WOMEN

Abstract

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) includes mind-body practices (e.g., prayer, yoga), alternative systems (e.g., acupuncture, Ayurveda), massage, herbs, and supplements. This study evaluated CAM utilization during antenatal care among 451 pregnant women in Lahore using a cross-sectional survey at two tertiary hospitals. Descriptive results showed that 53.3% of women used at least one CAM modality during pregnancy, with 60% using mind-body therapies and 55% consuming supplements. Most were housewives (65%) and university graduates (57%), with 52.4% showing a positive attitude toward CAM. One-way ANOVA showed a significant difference in CAM use across education levels (F = 3.95, p = 0.008) and occupation groups regarding biologically based therapies (F = 3.24, p = 0.039). Factorial ANOVA confirmed education significantly influenced CAM usage (F = 2.96, p = 0.032), and occupation significantly affected herb use (F = 4.14, p = 0.017). Chi-square analysis found significant associations between education and CAM use (χ² = 27.01, p < 0.001), education and attitudes (χ² = 31.90, p = 0.001), income and attitudes (χ² = 24.85, p = 0.016), and occupation and CAM use (χ² = 32.07, p = 0.001) The findings indicate education and occupation strongly influence CAM usage and perceptions during pregnancy. About 52.4% of respondents had positive attitude towards CAM based therapies.