The use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with chronic hepatitis C.
BACKGROUND
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is expanding globally. However, prevalence of its use by patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) remains unclear.


METHODS
An exploratory, descriptive study was conducted using a questionnaire and interview to describe the use of CAM by patients with CHC attending a liver clinic in the United States.


RESULTS
Eighty percent (n = 120) had used CAM in the last 12 months, most often prayer for health reasons (63%), multivitamins (56%) and herbal medicine (25%). A higher level of education (p < 0.005), poorer health status (p < 0.002) and prior use of anti-viral therapy (p < 0.02) were predictors of CAM use. Participants used CAM to promote general health, but herbal medicine was used to treat CHC symptoms and prevent liver disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of CAM is common among patients with CHC. Failure to acknowledge the use of CAM as a management strategy may restrict the health provider's ability to provide optimal care.
Richmond
Jacqueline A
JA
Duke Clinical Research Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, USA. Electronic address: jacqui.richmond@svhm.org.au.
Bailey
Donald E
DE
School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, USA. Electronic address: chip.bailey@duke.edu.
Patel
Keyur
K
Duke Clinical Research Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, USA. Electronic address: keyur.patel@duke.edu.
Jezsik
Janet A
JA
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27705, USA. Electronic address: jezsi001@mc.duke.edu.
Muir
Andrew
A
Duke Clinical Research Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, USA. Electronic address: andrew.muir@duke.edu.
Lin
Jr-Rung
JR
Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27705, USA. Electronic address: d92621203@ntu.edu.tw.
Chow
Shein-Chung
SC
Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27705, USA. Electronic address: sheinchung.chow@duke.edu.
Uzarski
Diane
D
Duke Clinical Research Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, USA. Electronic address: diane.uzarski@duke.edu.
McHutchison
John G
JG
Duke Clinical Research Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, USA. Electronic address: mchut001@dcri.duke.edu.
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D029221:Faith Healing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006304:Health Status; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D014815:Vitamins