Complementary and alternative medicine use and absenteeism among individuals with chronic disease

Abstract

BackgroundIt is estimated that over half of the adult U.S. population currently has one or more chronic conditions, resulting in up to an estimated $1,600 in productivity loss annually for each employee with chronic disease. Previous studies have suggested that integrating alternative or complementary health approaches with conventional medicine may be beneficial for managing the symptoms, lifestyle changes, treatment, physical and psychosocial consequences that result from chronic illness.MethodsUsing the 2012 National Health Interview Survey Data, we examined the associations between self-reported use of various forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies (dietary supplements, mind-body practices) and the number of days missed from job or business in the past 12 months due to illness or injury. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to determine the association between CAM use and absence from work among individuals with one or more chronic disease (n = 10,196).ResultsOver half (54 %) of the study population reported having one chronic disease, while 19 % had three or more conditions. The three most common chronic diseases were high cholesterol (48 %), arthritis (35 %) and hypertension (31 %). More participants used dietary supplements (72 %) while fewer individuals reported using mind-body practices (17 %) in the past twelve months. Over half of individuals reported missing any number of days from job or business due to illness or injury (53 %). Of those who had missed any days from work, 42 % missed one or two days, 36 % missed three to five days, and 23 % missed six days or more. The rate of missing days from job or business due to injury or illness increased among those who reported use of mind-body practices (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.55, 95 % CI: 1.09, 2.21). There was no association between use of dietary supplements and absenteeism (IRR = 1.13, 95 % CI: 0.85, 1.51).ConclusionsIn a population of individuals with chronic disease, individuals who reported use of mind-body practices had higher rate of absenteeism due to injury or illness. Future studies should examine the effects CAM on symptoms associated with chronic disease and whether managing these symptoms can reduce absence from work, school, and other responsibilities.

Understanding CAM Use in Lebanon: Findings from a National Survey

“…In contrast, females, chronically ill patients, and those with poor-to-good health are more likely to be users of conventional healthcare services and will generally build better relationships with their providers. The frequent use and their reliance on conventional care may also help balance their expectations [ 37 ].…”

“…Employed individuals were more likely to challenge the authority of their providers ( Pull factor 2). This may be because employed individuals are relatively younger and are more likely to be healthy [ 37 ]. Lastly, income was positively associated with Pull factor 1 and negatively associated with preference to take care of own health rather than go to a doctor (except for serious illnesses).…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Patients with Chronic Tinnitus

“…In our study, the main types of CAM used were herbal products similar to other CAM used patients with chronic diseases. It is not surprising, because most patients with chronic diseases may have positive opinions about CAM due to its organic nature and easily availability of CAM [15,21]. Healthcare professionals should be aware of any CAM use for patients due to possible adverse side effects and communication with other drugs.…”

“…Some products such as Ginkgo biloba and ginseng have an antiplatelet effect and can cause bleeding problems. Also some herbal products can cause serious consequences such as liver failure, kidney failure, and death, so they should not be taken or only taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional [15,21].…”

The Development of Integrative Medicine

“…Recently, in the United States, CAM as one type of IM has become an independent discipline, although it still occupies a subordinate position, and it is also considered to be complementary and supplementary to modern medicine [4]. In China, it has achieved the same level and importance as Western medicine and is now eligible for reimbursement through the national medical insurance program [5].…”