Determining the Beliefs, Use Levels, and Attitudes of Individuals Diagnosed with COVID-19 Concerning Complementary and Alternative Medicine Methods

Background: Stressors during COVID-19, differing views on treatment and vaccination, and the relationship between COVID-19 infection and immune status have led to increased public interest in traditional and complementary medicine practices. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the beliefs, use levels, and attitudes of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) concerning complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods. Methods: Snowball sampling was employed in this descriptive and cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 694 people living in Turkey who had COVID-19 and agreed to voluntarily participate. The data were collected with the introductory information form and the Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (HCAMQ). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS v. 26. Results: In the study, 62.8% of the participants stated that they used CAM after being diagnosed with COVID-19; 85.5% of the participants stated that they used CAM for coughing, 84.2% to relieve breathing, 79.6% for shortness of breath, and 73.6% for strengthening immunity. Women had a more positive attitude towards CAM when compared to men. As the income level elevated, the attitude towards holistic health became more positive. Conclusions: The individuals employed various herbal approaches after they had been diagnosed with COVID-19, and women had a more positive attitude towards CAM than men did.