Metrics details. Due to the lack of strong evidence on safety and efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine CAM approaches, the use of CAM in women during pregnancy could be hazardous for mother and fetus. Meanwhile, little is known regarding the patterns, the reasons and the factors affecting use of CAM among pregnant women in Iraq.
A cross sectional survey design was used to carry out face-to-face interviews with consecutive pregnant women. The questionnaire comprised of three sections: socio-demographic characteristics, pregnancy-related aspects and the patterns and attitudes towards use of CAM.
Determinants of CAM use were assessed through the logistic regression analysis. Three hundred thirty-five pregnant women completed the questionnaire. In total, 24 different types of CAM were used; with herbal medicine From the logistic regression analysis, the variables positively associated with CAM use were: rural residence odds ratio OR 2. Only 0. The proportion of CAM users among pregnant women is relatively high and it is important to learn what types of CAM they use.
However, disclosure of CAM use was extraordinarily low. Given the low rate of disclosure, it should be ensured that physicians establish good level of communication with pregnant women and have adequate knowledge of CAM.
Peer Review reports. The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine CAM use in pregnant women is increasing and is widespread in developed and developing countries [ 1 β 3 ]. These women take a wide range of CAM such as herbs, vitamins and minerals, massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, homeopathic remedies and Reiki as well as psychological, physical and spiritual techniques [ 4 β 6 ].
