Jacqueline A Richmond1, Donald E Bailey2, Keyur Patel3, Janet A Jezsik4, Andrew Muir5, Jr-Rung Lin6, Shein-Chung Chow7, Diane Uzarski8, John G McHutchison9. 1. Duke Clinical Research Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, USA. Electronic address: jacqui.richmond@svhm.org.au. 2. School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, USA. Electronic address: chip.bailey@duke.edu. 3. Duke Clinical Research Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, USA. Electronic address: keyur.patel@duke.edu. 4. Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27705, USA. Electronic address: jezsi001@mc.duke.edu. 5. Duke Clinical Research Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, USA. Electronic address: andrew.muir@duke.edu. 6. Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27705, USA. Electronic address: d92621203@ntu.edu.tw. 7. Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27705, USA. Electronic address: sheinchung.chow@duke.edu. 8. Duke Clinical Research Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, USA. Electronic address: diane.uzarski@duke.edu. 9. Duke Clinical Research Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, USA. Electronic address: mchut001@dcri.duke.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is expanding globally. However, prevalence of its use by patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) remains unclear. METHODS: An exploratory, descriptive study was conducted using a questionnaire and interview to describe the use of CAM by patients with CHC attending a liver clinic in the United States. RESULTS: Eighty percent (n = 120) had used CAM in the last 12 months, most often prayer for health reasons (63%), multivitamins (56%) and herbal medicine (25%). A higher level of education (p < 0.005), poorer health status (p < 0.002) and prior use of anti-viral therapy (p < 0.02) were predictors of CAM use. Participants used CAM to promote general health, but herbal medicine was used to treat CHC symptoms and prevent liver disease. CONCLUSION: Use of CAM is common among patients with CHC. Failure to acknowledge the use of CAM as a management strategy may restrict the health provider's ability to provide optimal care. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is expanding globally. However, prevalence of its use by patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) remains unclear. METHODS: An exploratory, descriptive study was conducted using a questionnaire and interview to describe the use of CAM by patients with CHC attending a liver clinic in the United States. RESULTS: Eighty percent (n = 120) had used CAM in the last 12 months, most often prayer for health reasons (63%), multivitamins (56%) and herbal medicine (25%). A higher level of education (p < 0.005), poorer health status (p < 0.002) and prior use of anti-viral therapy (p < 0.02) were predictors of CAM use. Participants used CAM to promote general health, but herbal medicine was used to treat CHC symptoms and prevent liver disease. CONCLUSION: Use of CAM is common among patients with CHC. Failure to acknowledge the use of CAM as a management strategy may restrict the health provider's ability to provide optimal care. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.