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Abstract Background Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common in IBD patients and impacts compliance with conventional treatment. Gastroenterologists should understand the motivational factors of CAM use—factors that push patients away from standard therapy or pull towards CAM. Our study describes the motivations behind CAM use for IBD and evaluates differences between CD and UC patients. Aims To compare the motivations behind CAM use between CD and UC patients. Methods Retrospective cohort survey of patients over 18 years old with IBD, evaluated by gastroenterologists at a tertiary care referral centre from January 1 to December 31, 2019. Only patients that reported CAM use were included. Chi-square and independent t-tests were performed and p-value ampersand:003C0.05 was significant. Results Of the 230 completed surveys, 193 reported CAM use (CD:57.5% & UC:42.5%). Demographics, disease duration and hospitalizations were similar, but CD patients had lower SIBDQ scores (CD:48.1 & UC:53.5 pampersand:003C0.001). Both groups were largely influenced by their social network to use CAM (CD:33% & UC:31.3%) and did not feel well informed of CAM (87.4%). CD and UC patients had similar push and pull factors. Push factors included lack of improvement (39%) and side effects (20%) with conventional treatment. Pull factors included the desire for a holistic approach (21%) and to improve mood (35%). Most patients hoped fatigue 62.7%, diarrhea 61.7% and abdominal pain 58.0% would improve with CAM. Conclusions Despite differences in QoL, push and pull motivations for CAM use do not differ between CD and UC patients. Most users do not feel well informed of CAM and ongoing dialogue is important for patient-centred care. Table 1: Characteristics of CAM use Funding Agencies None
Klemm et al. (Wed,) studied this question.