Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence, patterns and associated factors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among pregnant women in Iran. Data sources A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect and major Iranian databases from inception to 30 November 2024.
Eligibility criteria for selecting studies We included observational studies published in peer-reviewed journals that assessed CAM use among pregnant women in Iran and reported prevalence estimates or relevant associated factors. Data extraction and synthesis Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using a standardised form and the Quality Assessment Tool.
Meta-analyses of proportions were performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. The between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the I-squared (I²) statistic.
Subgroup analysis, 95% prediction intervals (95% PrIs) and sensitivity analysis were conducted to explore the sources of heterogeneity and to evaluate the robustness of the overall effects, respectively. This study followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO.
BMJ Open published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 03 Jun 2026.
The item focuses on Systematic review and meta-analysis of complementary and alternative medicine use during pregnancy in Iran.
Review the original article for the full source wording and details.