Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Amany Refaat

Abstract

In Lebanon, estimates of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use among college students are not available. CAM practices are not well regulated and some products contain unsafe substances. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and predictors of CAM use among Lebanese college students using the health belief model. A quantitative cross sectional research design was used. An online survey was administered to 126 Lebanese college students with the aim of determining the most important predictors of CAM use. A majority (89%) of surveyed students reported the use of CAM in the last 12 months. Based on the findings of a multiple logistic regression analysis, perceived susceptibility (OR = 1.781), perceived barriers (OR =.809), and cues to action (OR = 1.650), 95% CIs [1.185, 2.678], [.658, .995], [1.049, 1.821], respectively, significantly predicted CAM use. Results indicate that people who perceive themselves more susceptible to diseases, who do not perceive barriers to CAM use, and who follow more cues to action are more likely to use CAM than others. These factors provide pathways for facilitating positive social change by developing stricter governmental policies to ensure consumer safety and to promote high quality products, and by driving the development of public awareness interventions about CAM use and related health risks.

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