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Complementary medicine use by patients with inflammatory bowel disease
R J Hilsden1, C M Scott, M J Verhoef
1Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|June 13, 1998
Summary
Over half of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have used complementary therapies. Use is linked to longer disease duration and hospitalization history, with patients seeking alternatives due to standard therapy side effects.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Integrative Medicine
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects millions globally, necessitating comprehensive management strategies.
- Patients with chronic conditions like IBD often explore complementary therapies alongside conventional treatments.
- Understanding the prevalence and motivations behind complementary therapy use in IBD is crucial for integrated patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the extent of complementary therapy use among IBD patients.
- To identify factors influencing the adoption of these therapies.
- To explore patients' reasons for seeking complementary medicine.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase study involving a cross-sectional survey of 134 IBD patients and in-depth interviews with 14 users.
- Logistic regression analysis to identify determinants of complementary medicine use.
- Qualitative thematic analysis of patient interviews regarding disease management perceptions.
Main Results:
- 51% of IBD patients reported using complementary therapies in the past two years; 33% were current users.
- Vitamins and herbal products were the most common therapies used for IBD.
- Longer disease duration (>10 years) and prior hospitalization independently predicted complementary therapy use.
Conclusions:
- Complementary medicine use is prevalent in the IBD population.
- Patients with a longer disease history or previous hospitalizations are more likely to use complementary therapies.
- Reasons for use often stem from dissatisfaction with conventional treatments, including side effects and lack of efficacy.