RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and to identify the type and factors associated to its use. METHODS: Cross-sectional study made in HIV clinics of three majors institutions from Morelos State, Mexico; the sample was 293 subjects; a specific questionnaire looking for demographic information and CAM use was applied. RESULTS: The use of CAM was 73.4%; 71% informed to the physician of their use. 51% of the patients reported using nutritional complements, 29.7% herbal products and 19% used physical agents like exercise, Chinese medicine, and therapy by contact. A total of 96.6 % of the users reported some perception of benefit with its use. The patients with low income, IMSS beneficiaries and on antirretroviral treatment were the greatest CAM users. CONCLUSIONS: CAM use is a common practice among HIV (+) patients. The multivitamins and herbal products were the most used. The majority was prescribed by health personnel and the users showed some benefit. Other longitudinal studies are required to establish the CAM impact on the disease evolution and the quality of life of HIV (+) patients.