Identifying the effect of using complementary and alternative medicine on the life quality of pregnant women diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum

The objective of this research is to identify the effect of using Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) on the life quality of pregnant women diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The population of the research comprises 240 pregnant women, who were hospitalized after being diagnosed with HG between 30th October 2017-31st July 2018 in Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Gynaecological Diseases Research and Training Hospital Early Pregnancy Clinic. Personal Information Form, Rhodes Index of Nausea and Vomiting and SF-36 Life Quality Scale were used for data collection. The data obtained in the research is analyzed using chi-square test, the independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical significance value is (p<0.05). In the study, it is noted that the use ratio of CAM is 84.2%, while the most preferred CAM method is "Biological Based Treatments" (97.5%). Additionally, examining the satisfaction level as per the preferred CAM methods, the highest satisfaction level is on "Mental and Physical Treatments" (X̅=3.71±1.74). It is also noted that the average "Emotional Role" score with in the SF-36 Life Quality subscale dimensions was found to be higher compared to the pregnant women not using CAM (p<0.05), while there is no significant difference between the other subscale dimensions (p>0.05). Moreover, the quality of life decreased as the severity of nausea, vomiting and retching symptoms increased in the study (p<0.05). In line with the results of the research, it is suggested for women's health nurses in particular to question the use of CAM, provide training and consultancy for pregnant women with regards to the possible adverse effects, and that more evidence-based studies should be carried out concerning the CAM methods used. Keyword: Complementary and alternative medicine, hyperemesis gravidarum, nausea and vomiting, rhodes nausea and vomiting index, quality of life.