The relative frequency of using complementary and alternative medicine in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Present study aimed to assess the relative frequency of using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), due to high prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Isfahan, Iran, vast usage of complementary and alternative medicine, lack of knowledge about it and high costs. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 400 patients with multiple sclerosis and inclusion criteria referred to Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, were selected via consecutive sampling. Data were collected via interviewing and using a researcher-made questionnaire and then, were analyzed. Findings: 226 women (56.5) and 174 men (43.5) with the mean age of 39.57 years and mean disease duration of 4.5 years participated. Among them, 340 (85) used, at least, one of complementary and alternative medicine methods. The various used methods were natural products (59.1), spiritual practices (51.5), manipulative and body based practices and movement-based approaches (39.4), mind and body medicine (38.5), other treatment methods (24.7), practices of traditional healers (10.6), putative energy fields (4.4), and whole medical systems (1.2), respectively. The most used methods were taking vitamins, exercise and use of herbal medicine. 32.5 of participants used three or more treatment methods. A significant correlation was found for the duration of disease, age and use of complementary and alternative medicine (P < 0.05). Based on chi-square test, women used more complementary and alternative medicine methods compare to male. No significant relationship was found between the level of education and use of complementary and alternative medicine. Conclusion: Based on obtained results, majority of patients with multiple sclerosis used complementary and alternative medicine along to conventional medical treatment. Regarding the effects of complementary and alternative medicine on pain, fatigue and stress among patients, teaching patients, healthcare practitioners, neurologists and caregivers about this type of treatment is vital. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.