Profiling the Use of Complementary Alternative Medicines among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: Results from a Single Center Survey. (22nd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sudhakar, Padhmanand; Keersmaekers, Bep; Stiers, Rita; De Dycker, Els; Geens, Patricia; Paps, Ariane; Lambrechts, Tessy; Wellens, Judith; Sabino, João; Ferrante, Marc; Vermeire, Séverine; Verstockt, Bram
• Other Names: Limdi Jimmy K. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: GastroHep. Volume 2022(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07-22
• Subjects: Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Hepatology -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1155/2022/9919542
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2689-3711

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are used by patients with chronic disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a desire to manage their disease. Methods . Patients visiting an IBD outpatient clinic and infusion unit in a tertiary referral center were surveyed through an anonymized Dutch version of the international questionnaire to measure the use of CAMs. Results . Of the 467 IBD patients who responded to the survey, 41.8% (n = 195 ) reported the use of CAMs. Gender (p = 0.03, higher in females), educational qualification (p = 0.02, higher in more educated patients), and number of prior IBD medical treatments (p = 0.05, higher in patients having received more than one therapy) were significantly associated with CAM usage. Overall, there was no significant difference in CAM-usage between UC (45.3%) and CD (38.2%) patients. Over two-thirds of patients reported using CAMs to alleviate IBD-related symptoms. The most prevalent reason for CAM-usage was to minimize stress and symptoms. The top five nonsupplemental CAMs used by IBD patients included probiotics, curcumin, yoghurt, homeopathy, and yoga. Among CAMs with a minimum of 25 users, yoga (93.5%), cannabis (87.5%), and mindfulness (84.6%) had high self-reported efficacy indices. Fifty-six percent of the patients who affirmed the economic worthiness of CAMs expressed their interest to consult with their gastroenterologist about CAM-conventional therapy interactions. Conclusion . CAM usage in IBD patients is highly prevalent, and consultation of the patients with the gastroenterologist about the use of CAMs is warranted. Since CAMs can interact with conventional therapies, a debate could help optimizing CAM use, eventually resulting in better disease management.