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Complementary and alternative asthma treatments and their association with asthma control: a population-based study
Wenjia Chen1, J Mark Fitzgerald, Roxanne Rousseau
1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada.
BMJ Open
|September 6, 2013
Summary
Many asthma patients use complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs). Uncontrolled asthma is linked to higher CAM use, highlighting a need for awareness among healthcare providers and policymakers.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Integrative Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are frequently used by patients with asthma.
- Understanding the factors associated with CAM utilization is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between CAM utilization and asthma control.
- To examine the relationship between CAM use and the intake of asthma controller medications.
Main Methods:
- A population-based, prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in British Columbia, Canada.
- 486 adult asthma patients were surveyed regarding CAM use, asthma control (Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines), and controller medication intake.
- Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to assess associations, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- 36.8% of asthma patients reported using CAMs in the past 12 months, with breathing exercises, herbal medicines, and vitamins being most common.
- Uncontrolled asthma (OR 2.25) and female sex (OR 1.66) were significantly associated with higher odds of CAM use.
- CAM usage was not associated with the intake of controller medications, irrespective of asthma control status.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of CAM use exists among asthma patients.
- Lack of asthma control is a significant predictor of CAM utilization.
- Clinicians and policymakers should be informed about these findings to improve asthma management and patient education.
Keywords:
Complementary Medicine
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