The use of complementary and alternative medicine by asthma patients.
BACKGROUND
Use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) by asthmatic patients is increasing. Data on the prevalence of CAM use in asthma are limited, and the motivation for patients to seek CAM therapy is uncertain.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence and pattern of use of complementary therapies in adults treated for asthma in primary care in Singapore, and the demographic and clinical factors associated with their use.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Five primary care clinics in Singapore.


METHODS
Adult patients with asthma (n = 802) received a structured questionnaire interview and clinical assessment that included demographic and clinical variables (clinical status, patient's knowledge, self-care and healthcare-seeking behaviour, and spirometric measurements) and detailed information on CAM use in the past one year.


RESULTS
CAM use in the past year was reported by 27.2%, including animal food products (12.3%), herbs (10.3%), herbal-based proprietary medicines (3.2%), and acupuncture or reflexology (1%). The use of CAM was significantly associated with Chinese ethnicity, longer disease duration, moderate and severe persistent asthma, FEV(1)/FVC < 80%, lack of positive response to treatment in the past year, higher patient knowledge score, and multiple sources of care providers.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of CAM is highly prevalent in Asian patients treated for asthma in primary care, and is associated with cultural and clinical factors reflecting a need to improve care.
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000628:therapy*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D029001:Herbal Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012846:Singapore; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires