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Self‐reported use of natural health products among rheumatology patients: A cross‐sectional survey
Author(s) -
Hall Jill J.,
Dissanayake Tharindri D.,
Lau Darren,
Katz Steven J.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
musculoskeletal care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.628
H-Index - 28
eISSN - 1557-0681
pISSN - 1478-2189
DOI - 10.1002/msc.1178
Subject(s) - medicine , rheumatology , cross sectional study , logistic regression , physical therapy , family medicine , pathology
Objectives To describe the self‐reported use of natural health products (NHPs) and identify characteristics that predict selected NHP use in rheumatology patients. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of consecutive rheumatology patients in two major clinics in Edmonton, Alberta. Survey items included demographic data, rheumatologic diagnoses, prescribed medications, NHPs, and information regarding patients' use of NHPs. Selected NHPs of interest – defined to include joint‐specific products, oils with putative joint benefits, and other non‐vitamin, non‐mineral products – were classified by 2 reviewers. The characteristics of selected NHP users and non‐users were compared using chi‐squared and ANOVA tests, followed by multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression. Results 1063 patients completed the survey (response rate = 36%, mean age 53 [sd 15], 70% female). 36% of respondents reported using one or more of a wide range of selected NHPs (mean 1.8, range 1‐9). The most common source of NHP recommendations for selected NHP users were physicians (42%). Significant predictors of selected NHP use were: being female (aOR 1.41, 95%CI [1.05‐1.90], p = 0.02), having a post‐secondary degree (aOR 1.60 [1.15‐2.22], p = 0.005), and the number of non‐rheumatic medications (aOR 1.08 [ 1.00‐1.15], p = 0.03) and NSAIDs (aOR 1.32 [1.06, 1.63], p = 0.01). Similar findings were observed among only inflammatory arthritis patients. Conclusions Our study confirms the frequent use of selected NHPs, possibly to mitigate persistent symptoms of rheumatologic illness. Rheumatologists appear to be trusted sources of advice and recommendations on NHP use and should provide balanced counselling for their patients.