Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Cases in South Korea

• Published in: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine 2019, Vol.2019 (2019), p.1-5
• Main Authors: Lee, Sanghun, Choi, Sun-Mi, Park, Jeonghwan, Mun, Sujeong, Kim, Sungha, Kim, Sungchul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative medicine; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Beliefs, opinions and attitudes; Care and treatment; Dietary supplements; Employees; Family income; Functional foods; Functional foods & nutraceuticals; Health care industry; Home health care; Mechanical ventilation; Medical care; Muscle pain; Natural products; Neuromuscular diseases; Polls & surveys; Questionnaires; Secondary schools; Statistical analysis; Surveys; Utilization; Ventilators
• ISSN: 1741-427X; 1741-4288
• DOI: 10.1155/2019/4217057

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) sometimes consider complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) because of ineffective treatment. This study investigated the prevalence and utilization pattern of CAM among patients with ALS in South Korea. Participants were recruited through homecare services for mechanical ventilation in South Korea. This study comprised a face-to-face cross-sectional survey with staff members available to address any queries. Fifty-five participants were included; all had used >1 CAM treatment option for ALS symptoms. Dietary treatments were most common, followed by functional food and massages. Most participants had obtained relevant information from family members or friends. The main reason for CAM use was an expectation that symptoms will improve with CAM; most patients were unsure of the effects. CAM use was previously discontinued by the majority of patients because of unsatisfactory effects. The mean expenditure on CAM was 288,385.28 ± 685,265.14 won per month, and the mean duration of CAM use was 11.54 ± 20.09 months. The results indicate that there is a high prevalence of CAM use among ALS patients. Healthcare providers should inquire about CAM use and openly provide accurate CAM information. Further evidence of CAM efficacy is required, as is specific guidance for consulting ALS patients regarding CAM.