The prevalence, characteristics, expenditure and predictors of complementary medicine use in Australians living with gastrointestinal disorders: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aims: To determine the prevalence, characteristics, expenditure and predictors of complementary medicine (CM) use in Australian adults living with gastrointestinal disorders (GID). Methods:A cross-sectional study involving 2,025 Australian adults was conducted. Participants were recruited through purposive convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics were conducted to report the prevalence of people living with GIDs and their CM use, including CM products, mindbody practices and CM practitioner services. Chi-square test and independent-samples t-test were used to determine the associations between sociodemographic or health-related variables with CM use. Binary logistic regression was conducted to determine the significant predictors of CM use in GID participants. Economic data was calculated based on the mean out-of-pocket expenditure on CM.Results: Of the 293 participants reporting a GID, 186 (63.5%) used CM products, 55 (18.8%) used a mind-body practice and 141 (48.1%) visited at least one CM practitioner in the last 12 months.Collectively, the majority of GID participants using any type of CM were female, aged 40 to 49 years, married and employed. The mean score for health-related quality of life was 49.6 out of 100 in GID participants and 68.2 in participants without a GID (p<0.001). Average annual out-of-pocket expenditure on CM products was AUD127.29 by CM products users with a GID. The predictors of CM products, mind-body practices and CM practitioner services use differed. Of the 111 CM product users with a GID, 103 (92.8%) disclosed all or some of their CM use to general practitioner, 89 (80.2%) to specialist doctor, 79 (71.2%) to pharmacist and 69 (62.1%) to hospital doctor. Conclusions:A substantial proportion of Australian adults living with GID use CM products, mindbody practices and CM practitioner services. This study provides important insights to inform and guide the development of a more coordinated health care services for individuals living with GID.

Design characteristics of comparative effectiveness trials for the relief of symptomatic dyspepsia: A systematic review

“…These clinical features include; IBS, 1 GERD, 8 gastritis, 12 heartburn, 1 , 3 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, 4 older than 60 years; 3 reproductive females, 4 mental health co-morbidities 9 and history of GIT surgery. 73 The justification for these exclusions was rarely described and excluding such conditions may hinder CM practitioners whose patient population is characterised by a greater proportion of women, 74 GIT, 16 mental health co-morbidities 75 and chronic, complex conditions. 16 For example, no included articles justified the rationale for IBS exclusion.…”

“… 73 The justification for these exclusions was rarely described and excluding such conditions may hinder CM practitioners whose patient population is characterised by a greater proportion of women, 74 GIT, 16 mental health co-morbidities 75 and chronic, complex conditions. 16 For example, no included articles justified the rationale for IBS exclusion. Prior research has shown IBS patients have a lower resting pressure of the lower oesophageal sphincter, 1 hyperalgesia of the oesophagus 76 and 50% of IBS patients have pathologic reflux.…”

“… 13 Complementary medicine (CM) - a diverse group of non-conventional medical and health practices used together with conventional medical care 14 - is also currently used for the symptomatic treatment of dyspepsia. 15 , 16 It has been reported more than 50% of those experiencing functional gastrointestinal disorders seek CM in the community setting for the management of their condition. 15 In Australia, a recent study reported 63.5% of those with a diagnosed gastrointestinal disease use CM products and 48.1% have visited a CM practitioner for gastrointestinal (GIT) assistance.…”

“… 15 In Australia, a recent study reported 63.5% of those with a diagnosed gastrointestinal disease use CM products and 48.1% have visited a CM practitioner for gastrointestinal (GIT) assistance. 16 The World Gastroenterology Organisation recommends the use of locally available symptomatic remedies for GERD if they are safe, effective and less costly than prescription medications in areas with limited resources. 17 Conversely, the American College of Gastroenterology and the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology has recommended CM is not used for dyspepsia as there is no clear evidence for their effectiveness.…”

Protective Role of Vitamin E and Vitamin C on Morphology of Gastric Mucosal Injury Induced by Aspirin in Albino Rats

“…3 In present study, most of the ulcers were found in the pyloric region of stomach which is in consonant with Joseph Eichensher et al (2018)who discovered similar results that the common site of gastric ulcer is the pylorus on lesser curvature near the junction between body and antrum. 14 G cells produce peptide hormone Gastrin in pyloric antrum that activates the parietal cells to release hydrochloric acid.…”