Perception and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Patients With Epilepsy

Abstract

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine is considered and used by many people with epilepsy to treat seizures, despite the lack of enough scientific proof for its efficacy. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to assess the extent to which patients with epilepsy use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and to assess the perceptions of CAM among these patients. Patients and Methods: In this study patients with epilepsy were recruited at two epilepsy centers in Iran (Shiraz and Tehran). The survey collected specific information about CAM perceptions and usage. All independent variables were correlated with the dependent variables: the perception about CAM and the CAM usage. The Pearson Chi-square test and Student's t-test were used for univariate analyses. Subsequently, multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed on variables that were significant (P < 0.05) in univariate analysis. Results: Three hundred and twenty-three patients and / or their caregivers in Shiraz, and 227 people in Tehran were recruited. One hundred and thirty-nine patients (43%) in Shiraz, and 116 (51%) in Tehran and it was thought that at least one of CAM treatments might be helpful to treat seizures. Forty-five patients in Shiraz and 30 people in Tehran had used CAM to treat their seizures. We could not find a model to predict which thinks that CAM is effective in treating seizures. However, we found a model among CAM users. Within this model educational level made a significant contribution. People with epilepsy who had either a low education or, on the contrary, were highly educated more likely used CAM to treat their seizures. Conclusions: CAM is considered and used by many people with epilepsy to treat their seizures. Cultural issues probably play an important role in having faith in CAM and consequently using a specific method of CAM to treat seizures.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine and adherence to antiepileptic drug therapy among epilepsy patients: a systematic review

“…Among 16 papers identified, only eight papers reported the reasons for CAM use. The most commonly reported factors included fear of AED-related side effects (n=4) 31 , 33 – 36 , 40 and poor seizure control (n=3). 28 , 39 , 40 Two studies reported the influence of family members as the reason for CAM usage.…”

“…Nine studies did not report response rates. 28 , 31 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 46 , 47 , 56 , 58 The manner in which par ticipants were recruited and the sample size was determined were not clearly reported in seven studies. 28 , 29 , 31 , 40 , 46 , 54 Types of CAM used were not explained in two studies.…”

Awareness, Self‐Use, Perceptions, Beliefs, and Attitudes toward Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) among Health Professional Students in King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

“…A self-administered questionnaire was used in this survey. e questionnaire was designed after extensive literature review [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. e questionnaire was validated by performing face validity from expert biostatisticians and health professionals.…”

Effect and Safety of Shihogyejitang for Drug Resistant Childhood Epilepsy

“…Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used by patients with various diseases, including epilepsy [ 3 – 6 ]. It has been reported that patients with epilepsy often choose herbal medicine among CAM therapies [ 7 , 8 ].…”