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Contesting asthma medication: patients' view of alternatives
1Institute of Advanced Labour Studies, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. h.kopnina@uva.nl
Summary
Asthma patients often rationally choose complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) over conventional treatments. This decision stems from awareness of clinical trial data for Western medicines and perceived benefits of CAM therapies.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Integrative Health
- Patient Behavior Studies
Background:
- Limited research exists on asthma patients' perspectives regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
- Investigating reasons behind asthma patients' noncompliance with conventional Western medicine and their resort to CAM modalities.
- Exploring the influence of patient empowerment and identity as asthma sufferers on treatment choices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the motivations and decision-making processes of asthma patients who opt for CAM.
- To explore the role of evidence awareness in patients' choices between conventional and alternative therapies.
Main Methods:
- Conducted case studies utilizing semistructured interviews with 19 asthma patients in The Netherlands.
- Patients were recruited from an online forum of the Dutch asthma patients' organization, Astma Fonds.
- Interviews took place between June 2009 and January 2010.
Main Results:
- Patients demonstrated a strong understanding of the risks and benefits associated with both prescribed and alternative medicines.
- Noncompliance with conventional medical regimens was often a rational choice, informed by clinical trial evidence of standard asthma medications.
- Patients also considered partial and anecdotal evidence supporting the efficacy of CAM therapies.
Conclusions:
- Asthma patients' noncompliance with Western medicine is frequently a rational decision, driven by evidence-based awareness.
- This rationality is linked to critical evaluation of clinical trial results for common asthma medications, including those containing budesonide and formoterol.
- Patients actively navigate the conflict between conventional and alternative medicine paradigms by invoking evidence-based reasoning.
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