Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among People with Multiple Sclerosis in the Nordic Countries
Joint Authors
Meyrowitsch, D. W.
Kant, M.
Fredrikson, Sten
Verhoef, M.
Nicolajsen, P. H.
Skovgaard, L.
Pedersen, E.
Source
Issue
Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-13, 13 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2012-12-11
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
13
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Aims.
The aim of the study was to describe and compare (1) the types and prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments used among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Nordic countries; (2) the types of conventional treatments besides disease-modifying medicine for MS that were used in combination with CAM treatments; (3) the types of symptoms/health issues addressed by use of CAM treatments.
Methods.
An internet-based questionnaire was used to collect data from 6455 members of the five Nordic MS societies.
The response rates varied from 50.9% in Norway to 61.5% in Iceland.
Results.
A large range of CAM treatments were reported to be in use in all five Nordic countries.
Supplements of vitamins and minerals, supplements of oils, special diet, acupuncture, and herbal medicine were among the CAM treatment modalities most commonly used.
The prevalence of the overall use of CAM treatments within the last twelve months varied from 46.0% in Sweden to 58.9% in Iceland.
CAM treatments were most often used in combination with conventional treatments.
The conventional treatments that were most often combined with CAM treatment were prescription medication, physical therapy, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
The proportion of CAM users who reported exclusive use of CAM (defined as use of no conventional treatments besides disease-modifying medicine for MS) varied from 9.5% in Finland to 18.4% in Norway.
In all five Nordic countries, CAM treatments were most commonly used for nonspecific/preventative purposes such as strengthening the body in general, improving the body’s muscle strength, and improving well-being.
CAM treatments were less often used for the purpose of improving specific symptoms such as body pain, problems with balance, and fatigue/lack of energy.
Conclusions.
A large range of CAM treatments were used by individuals with MS in all Nordic countries.
The most commonly reported rationale for CAM treatment use focused on improving the general state of health.
The overall pattern of CAM treatment use was similar across the five countries.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Skovgaard, L.& Nicolajsen, P. H.& Pedersen, E.& Kant, M.& Fredrikson, Sten& Verhoef, M.…[et al.]. 2012. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among People with Multiple Sclerosis in the Nordic Countries. Autoimmune Diseases،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-13.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-502466
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Skovgaard, L.…[et al.]. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among People with Multiple Sclerosis in the Nordic Countries. Autoimmune Diseases No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-13.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-502466
American Medical Association (AMA)
Skovgaard, L.& Nicolajsen, P. H.& Pedersen, E.& Kant, M.& Fredrikson, Sten& Verhoef, M.…[et al.]. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among People with Multiple Sclerosis in the Nordic Countries. Autoimmune Diseases. 2012. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-13.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-502466
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-502466