Prevalence and indicators of use of complementary and alternative medicine in Austrian patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Objective Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) seems to be frequently used among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to determine the prevalence and indicators of CAM use in Austrian IBD patients. Methods In a multicentre cross-sectional study, adult patients with IBD attending 18 Austrian outpatient clinics completed a multi-item questionnaire that recorded use of CAM as well as medical and socioeconomic characteristics. Patients were recruited between June 2014 and June 2015. The study outcome was the prevalence of CAM use and its socioeconomic and disease-related associations. Results A total of 1286 patients (Crohn’s disease 830, ulcerative colitis 435, IBD unclassified 21; females 651) with a median age of 40 years (interquartile range 31–52 years) and a median disease duration of 10 years (4–18 years) were analysed. The prevalence of previous and/or current CAM use was 50.7%, with similar results for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In the multivariable analysis, female gender and a university education were independent socioeconomic indicators of CAM use. IBD-related indicators were longer duration of the disease and previous and/or current treatment with steroids and TNF-α inhibitors. Conclusion CAM use for IBD is frequent in Austrian IBD patients and associated with female gender, higher educational level of university degree, longer duration of the disease, and treatment with steroids and TNF-α inhibitors.

Patterns of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Saudi Arabian Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, our study has shown that IBD patients of male gender and lower levels of education were associated with the use of black seeds and honey, respectively. Patients treated with corticosteroids and anti-TNF agents also reported frequent use of CAM, and the most frequently used CAM therapies by this cohort were prayer, meditation, herbal remedies, homeopathy, and mind-body techniques [18]. We did not find that treatment with corticosteroids or anti-TNF-alpha were associated with CAM; however, our results suggest a significant association between treatment with azathioprine and the use of Zamzam water.…”

“…Previous studies have reported a wide range of CAM agents used for IBD [16,17]. A recent study that surveyed 1,286 Austrian patients with IBD reported that 50.7% used CAM at some point during the disease course [18]. A recent systematic review, published in 2017 by Alrowais et al, estimated a prevalence rate of CAM usage of 90% in Saudi Arabian patients [10].…”

Anti-Inflammatory and Barrier-Stabilising Effects of Myrrh, Coffee Charcoal and Chamomile Flower Extract in a Co-Culture Cell Model of the Intestinal Mucosa

“…Therapeutic approaches aim to control the symptoms, increase the quality of life and prevent disease progression and complications [ 2 ]. Studies report that a large proportion of IBD patients show interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a therapeutic approach, with herbal medicinal products being among the most commonly used options [ 6 , 7 ]. Scarce evidence on CAM in IBD treatment currently limits the acceptance amongst health care providers and complicates its integration into clinical practice.…”

Use of complementary and alternative medicine and low quality of life associate with the need for psychological and psychotherapeutic interventions in inflammatory bowel disease

“…The present study is a sub‐analysis of that project. Materials and methods have been described in detail previously in a manuscript on the use of CAM 8,9 . Briefly, consecutive adult patients over 18 years of age with an established diagnosis of IBD (based on clinical, endoscopic, histological and radiological criteria according to European Crohn's and Colitis Organization guide‐lines) 10,11 attending specialized IBD outpatient clinics were included.…”