Introduction
Previous studies suggest that people with arthritis
have high rates of using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches
for managing their arthritis, in addition to conventional treatments such as
prescription medications. However, little is known about the use of CAM by
diagnosis, or which forms of CAM are most frequently used by people with
arthritis. This study was designed to provide detailed information about use of
CAM for symptoms associated with arthritis in patients followed in primary care
and specialty clinics in North Carolina.
Methods
Using a cross-sectional design, we drew our sample from
primary care (n = 1,077) and specialist (n = 1,063) physician offices. Summary
statistics were used to calculate differences within and between diagnostic
groups, practice settings, and other characteristics. Logistic regression models
clustered at the site level were used to determine the effect of patient
characteristics on ever and current use of 9 CAM categories and an overall
category of “any use.”
Results
Most of the participants followed by specialists (90.5%)
and a slightly smaller percentage of those in the primary care sample (82.8%)
had tried at least 1 complementary therapy for arthritis symptoms. Participants
with fibromyalgia used complementary therapies more often than those with
rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or chronic joint symptoms. More than 50%
of patients in both samples used over-the-counter topical pain relievers, more
than 25% used meditation or drew on religious or spiritual beliefs, and more
than 19% used a chiropractor. Women and participants with higher levels of
education were more likely to report current use of alternative therapies.
Conclusion
Most arthritis patients in both primary care and
specialty settings have used CAM for their arthritis symptoms. Health care
providers (especially musculoskeletal specialists) should discuss these
therapies with all arthritis patients.