Martin Basedow1, William B Runciman2, Lyn March3, Adrian Esterman4. 1. School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia. Electronic address: martin.basedow@flinders.edu.au. 2. Australian Institute of Health Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Sleep Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Australian Patient Safety Foundation, Adelaide, SA, Australia. Electronic address: william.runciman@unisa.edu.au. 3. Faculty of Medicine and Department of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: lyn.march@sydney.edu.au. 4. Sansom Institute of Health Service Research and School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia. Electronic address: adrian.esterman@unisa.edu.au.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use amongst a cohort of osteoarthritis (OA) sufferers and to explore reasons for use. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess CAM use and its relationship with self-rated health status, patient knowledge of OA and attitudes towards OA management. RESULTS: Sixty-nine percent of respondents (95% CI, 64%-73%) reported that they had tried CAM, with little difference between age groups and genders. Patients who had a better knowledge of their condition and excellent self-rated health were more likely to use CAM. An aversion to the side effects of conventional medicine, failure to engage in exercise, and a belief in the efficacy of CAM were the principal factors underlying use. CONCLUSION: As CAM use is a key component of the self-management strategies for a substantial proportion of Australians with OA, users need to be more fully informed about evidence of efficacy.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use amongst a cohort of osteoarthritis (OA) sufferers and to explore reasons for use. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess CAM use and its relationship with self-rated health status, patient knowledge of OA and attitudes towards OA management. RESULTS: Sixty-nine percent of respondents (95% CI, 64%-73%) reported that they had tried CAM, with little difference between age groups and genders. Patients who had a better knowledge of their condition and excellent self-rated health were more likely to use CAM. An aversion to the side effects of conventional medicine, failure to engage in exercise, and a belief in the efficacy of CAM were the principal factors underlying use. CONCLUSION: As CAM use is a key component of the self-management strategies for a substantial proportion of Australians with OA, users need to be more fully informed about evidence of efficacy.
Authors: Thorlene Egerton; Rana S Hinman; David J Hunter; Jocelyn L Bowden; Philippa J A Nicolson; Lou Atkins; Marie Pirotta; Kim L Bennell Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2020-10-07 Impact factor: 2.692