Use and Cost of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Functional Bowel Disorders
Author Information
Author(s): Miranda AL van Tilburg, Olafur S Palsson, Rona L Levy, Andrew D Feld, Marsha J Turner, Douglas A Drossman, William E Whitehead
Primary Institution: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Hypothesis
What are the prevalence, types, and costs of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used for functional bowel disorders?
Conclusion
One-third of patients with functional bowel disorders use CAM, and this use is not driven by dissatisfaction with conventional care.
Supporting Evidence
- 35% of patients with functional bowel disorders reported using CAM.
- The median annual cost of CAM was $200.
- The most common CAM types were ginger, massage therapy, and yoga.
- CAM use was associated with female gender, higher education, and anxiety.
- Physician referral to CAM providers was uncommon.
Takeaway
Many people with bowel problems try alternative treatments like yoga and ginger tea, and they spend about $200 a year on these remedies.
Methodology
Patients with functional bowel disorders were surveyed about their CAM use and costs over six months.
Potential Biases
Self-reporting may lead to inaccuracies in CAM and cost data.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable to uninsured or non-urban patients, and self-selection bias may affect results.
Participant Demographics
{"age_mean":53.5,"age_sd":14.0,"male_percentage":24.5,"race":{"caucasian":89.3,"african_american":2.9,"asian":3.6,"other":4.2},"married_percentage":72.8,"college_graduate_percentage":44.6}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website