Mario Gotta1, Christoph A Mayer2, Jutta Huebner3. 1. Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany. Electronic address: mario_gotta@yahoo.de. 2. Klinik für Neurologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Electronic address: christoph.mayer@kgu.de. 3. Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hämatologie und Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany. Electronic address: jutta.huebner@med.uni-jena.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) is becoming an increasingly important issue for those affected. Especially in Germany there are only a few studies dealing with CAM, as yet. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, the methods used, the subjective benefits as well as physician/patient communication. METHODS: A structured questionnaire including demographic and disease-specific data, CAM use, perceived benefits as well as physician/patient communication was sent to real and web-based self-help groups for MS in Germany. RESULTS: 343 answers could be evaluated. 77.3% of the participants were females. The mean age was 45.0 ± 11.9 years and the duration of the disease was 12.0 ± 9.6 years. 81.9% said they were using CAM, nearly half (44.8%) used it alternatively to conventional medicine. The average number of CAM- methods used were 3.6. The most popular methods were vitamin supplements, Yoga/Thai chi/Qi Gong, relaxation techniques and meditation. Approximately half (139/49.5%) of CAM users disclosed this to their treating neurologist. Yet, 37,6% have doubts on the competence of the respective physician. CONCLUSION: Patients with MS have a strong interest in CAM. Usage as alternative therapy is widespread and puts patients at risk of progress of the disease. As patient/physician communication on the topic is increasing, neurologists should be attentive to guiding their patients through safe complementary methods.
BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) is becoming an increasingly important issue for those affected. Especially in Germany there are only a few studies dealing with CAM, as yet. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, the methods used, the subjective benefits as well as physician/patient communication. METHODS: A structured questionnaire including demographic and disease-specific data, CAM use, perceived benefits as well as physician/patient communication was sent to real and web-based self-help groups for MS in Germany. RESULTS: 343 answers could be evaluated. 77.3% of the participants were females. The mean age was 45.0 ± 11.9 years and the duration of the disease was 12.0 ± 9.6 years. 81.9% said they were using CAM, nearly half (44.8%) used it alternatively to conventional medicine. The average number of CAM- methods used were 3.6. The most popular methods were vitamin supplements, Yoga/Thai chi/Qi Gong, relaxation techniques and meditation. Approximately half (139/49.5%) of CAM users disclosed this to their treating neurologist. Yet, 37,6% have doubts on the competence of the respective physician. CONCLUSION:Patients with MS have a strong interest in CAM. Usage as alternative therapy is widespread and puts patients at risk of progress of the disease. As patient/physician communication on the topic is increasing, neurologists should be attentive to guiding their patients through safe complementary methods.
Authors: Saskia Elkhalii-Wilhelm; Anna Sippel; Karin Riemann-Lorenz; Christopher Kofahl; Jutta Scheiderbauer; Sigrid Arnade; Ingo Kleiter; Stephan Schmidt; Christoph Heesen Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-05-27 Impact factor: 3.752
Authors: Jane Louisa Debus; Paula Bachmann; Niklas Frahm; Pegah Mashhadiakbar; Silvan Elias Langhorst; Barbara Streckenbach; Julia Baldt; Felicita Heidler; Michael Hecker; Uwe Klaus Zettl Journal: Ther Adv Chronic Dis Date: 2022-08-04 Impact factor: 4.970