Use of complementary and alternative medicine among dermatology outpatients in Singapore

Although the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has been studied among general and specific disease populations, little is known on the use of CAM among Asian dermatology patients. This study assesses prevalence, demographics, disease determinants, expectations and reasons for CAM use among patients visiting a major referral dermatology centre in Singapore.

A descriptive cross-sectional study of 855 dermatology outpatients was done. Consecutive sampling using interviewer-administered questionnaires collected information on patient demographics, dermatological condition, prevalence, reasons and expectations of CAM use. Patient-perceived disease severity was measured via the Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI). Dermatologists completed Patient Data Forms, detailing diagnosis, diagnosis date and CAM use.

The prevalence of CAM use was 25.7%. Patients who were higher educated, held white collar occupations, had longer disease duration, higher DLQI scores or were suffering from psoriasis or eczema were more likely to have used CAM. More than 60% of patients expected dermatologists to provide at least basic CAM advice and 75% were willing to declare their CAM use. Forty percent of dermatologists accurately knew their patients' current CAM use.

Prevalence of CAM use in dermatology patients was high. Many doctors were unaware of patients' CAM use despite most patients being willing to declare it. Patients generally expected dermatologists to provide CAM advice. Dermatologists should make a concerted effort to identify likely CAM users and consider openly discussing CAM use with them.