Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Outpatients With Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases in Western Sweden
Condition: Rheumatic Diseases
MeSH terms: Rheumatic Diseases; Collagen Diseases
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      This is an observational study aiming to study the use of complementary and alternative
      medicine (CAM) drugs and methods among patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, at
      Rheumatology clinics in western Sweden and also to investigate possible associations between
      CAM using habits and other characteristics of the patients.
    

Detailed description: 
      Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is treatment that primarily is given outside the
      institutions where conventional medicine is practised. CAM drugs are substances that often
      have a natural origin and are taken orally or used topically, for self-treatment. CAM methods
      are therapies where the patient often goes to a practitioner, for example acupuncture,
      massage, homeopathy or chiropractics.

      Most cultures have their own history of traditional treatments, with herbal medicine or
      spiritual healers.

      The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widespread and increasing in many
      countries. The sales figures in Sweden for CAM drugs, functional foods and dietary
      supplements have increased from 450 million to 4250 million SEK between 1980 and 2007. Many
      people of today use CAM as a complement, rather than an alternative, to conventional
      healthcare. Some alternative methods, like acupuncture and massage, have also been integrated
      into conventional medicine.

      The biological effects of drugs containing herbs or animal parts are often unknown and there
      is a hazard of interaction with prescribed medication.

      The use of CAM drugs is often not communicated by the patient to the physician. A Swedish
      point observation study of patients admitted to Sahlgrenska hospital 2004 showed that 69 % of
      the patients had used CAM drugs at any time in their life, but only 27,5% had informed their
      doctor about it. The use of CAM drugs was seldom documented in the medical records of the
      patient.

      The utilization of CAM among patients with rheumatic diseases in Sweden has never been
      studied before.

      The aim of this trial was to study the use of CAM methods and CAM drugs among patients seen
      at rheumatology practises in the west of Sweden. To investigate which methods and drugs that
      are being used and to see if there are connections between using habits and factors like
      gender, age, rheumatic diagnoses, disease activity, medication and the patients experience of
      pain, fatigue and general health. We were also interested in finding out the reason for use
      of CAM, and if the patients had experienced beneficial effects or side effects of the use.
    

Observational model: Cohort
Time perspective: Cross-Sectional
Sampling method: Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Lists of outpatients who were scheduled for appointments at the rheumatology clinic were
        sent to an external randomizer, to randomly elect patients who were asked to participate.
        Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were attending the rheumatology clinic and had
        had an appointment there before. Patients were excluded if they were on their first visit
        to the practice, had dementia or had difficulties understanding Swedish.
      
Biospecimen description: 
      Serum
    
Keywords: complementary; alternative; medicine