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Research: CAMPBELL and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 142
Abstract
CAMPBELL and colleagues, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System (PSHCS), Health Services Research and Development Service, Seattle, WA, USA, have studied the use of CAM by veterans who suffer from MS.
Background
The aim of this study was to explore complementary and alternative medicine use in veterans with multiple sclerosis.
Methodology
Self-report questionnaires were administered to 451 veterans who received healthcare from Veterans Health Administration facilities.
Results
CAM use among veterans with MS was widespread; 37% of respondents reported current or past use. Roughly 33% of CAM users reported using multiple interventions, and 40% of respondents desired interventions that they were not already using. Logistic regression suggested that CAM use was more likely among participants with graduate-level education, poor self-reported health over the past year, and a progressive relapsing MS subtype. Participants who used traditional medical services were also more likely to use CAM, which suggests that CAM services are used in addition to, as opposed to in place of, traditional services.
Conclusion
These results suggest that care providers who work with persons with MS would be well served to understand, routinely screen for, and make use of CAM where appropriate.
References
Campbell DG et al. Complementary and alternative medicine use in veterans with multiple sclerosis: Prevalence and demographic associations. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development 43 (1): 99-110, Jan-Feb 2006.
