Complementary and alternative medicines in ankylosing spondylitis: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Integrative Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
• Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent in various chronic conditions.
• Understanding CAM prevalence and patterns in AS patients is crucial for integrated care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of dietary CAM use and consultation with CAM practitioners among AS patients.
• To explore characteristics associated with CAM use and practitioner attendance in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 75 AS patients.
• Data collected on previous/current CAM use, dietary CAM, and CAM practitioner consultations.
• Statistical analysis to identify factors associated with CAM use (e.g., gender, education, BASDAI).

Main Results:

• High prevalence of CAM use (94.7%) and dietary CAM use (72.1%) reported by AS patients.
• A significant proportion (36.0%) consulted CAM practitioners.
• Low perceived benefit (56.4%) for dietary CAM, with few initiated by practitioners.
• Female gender associated with dietary CAM use; university education and higher BASDAI associated with practitioner attendance.

Conclusions:

• Dietary CAM use and CAM practitioner consultations are highly prevalent among AS patients.
• Despite low perceived efficacy, CAM engagement is common, suggesting a need for further research and patient-provider discussion.
• Findings highlight the importance of addressing CAM use within the management of ankylosing spondylitis.