Use of complementary therapies for rheumatologic conditions among patients of rheumatologists.
- Author:
Eun Suk JUN
1
;
Kyung Ho PARK
;
Hoon Ki PARK
;
Jung Kwon LEE
;
Dae Hyun YOO
;
Seong Yoon KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
complementary and alternative medicine;
rheumatologic conditions;
use rate;
cost;
satisfaction
- MeSH:
Asian Continental Ancestry Group;
Complementary Therapies*;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Hope;
Humans;
Rheumatology;
Tertiary Care Centers
- From:Journal of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine
2001;22(3):371-385
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine(CAM) is common among patients with chronic conditions such as rheumatic disorder. This study was conducted to know rate and behavior of using CAM and to improve doctor patient relationship in rheumatic patients. METHODS: Among patients visiting a tertiary hospital rheumatology clinic, 867 persons (15.8% of total) were selected conveniently and interviewed by a trained nurse according to structured questionnaire from July 1st through July 31st 1999. Three hundreds and sixty two CAM users completed the interview. RESULTS: Among 867 persons interviewed, 372 persons had used CAM (use rate 44%). Use rate of Chinese medicine was 26%, CAM except Chinese medicine 21%. Herb medicine(49.4%) was the commonest single category of all CAM. Twenty four percents of users had used two or more types of CAM, 6.8% had experienced adverse effects. The average yearly cost for CAM was 704,000 won/person, 64% of the one for hospital use, 1,100,000 won/person. The subjectively rated degree of effectiveness was 6.3 points which was significantly higher when compared with 5.9 points for hospital services. The degree of satisfaction with CAM was 5.6 points which was higher than that of hospital services, 4.8 points. The most frequently reported reason for using CAM was the hope for synergic treatment effect(32%). The proportion of experiencing adverse effects from CAM was 7% of all users. Only one fourth of the users had discussed on the CAM use with the western doctors. The commonest reason for not discussing CAM was that the respondents had no need to discuss about it (40%). Among doctor's attitudes when discussing CAM with patient, limited approval was most common.(40%) CONCLUSION: Among patients with rheumatic conditions, 44% use CAM. Herb medicine was most commonly used CAM. Comparing with hospital services, cost for CAM is 2/3 but its subjective effectiveness and satisfaction are higher. Western doctors must consider appropriately the need from users of alternative medicine.
