The use of mind-body medicine and prayer among adult patients with chronic hepatitis C.
The use of mind-body medicine by patients with chronic hepatitis C has not been reported. The prevalence and reasons for using mind-body medicine and prayer among a cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis C are described. Use of mind-body medicine and prayer was investigated as a component of a larger exploratory, descriptive study of the use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with hepatitis C attending a tertiary healthcare facility in the United States. An investigator-designed self-administered questionnaire (n = 149) and semistructured interview (n = 28) were completed by participants. Eighty-eight percent (n = 105) of participants had used mind-body medicine in the past 12 months. The most commonly used therapies were prayer for health reasons (90%), deep breathing (29%), and meditation (29%). Mind-body medicine was most commonly used to relieve tension and promote general well-being. The use of mind-body medicine was widespread among patients with chronic hepatitis C. To provide patient-centered healthcare, health providers need to be aware of the alternative support strategies, including mind-body medicine, used by patients.
Gastroenterology/ Hepatology Research Program, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA. Jacqui.Richmond@svhm.org.au
Jacqueline A
JA
Richmond
Donald E
DE
Bailey
John G
JG
McHutchison
Andrew J
AJ
Muir
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009042:Motivation; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012067:Religion; D015144:Southeastern United States; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires