Fibromyalgia
syndrome (FMS) is a complex disorder, with primary symptoms of
sleep disturbances, pain, and fatigue. FMS is one of the most
common reasons for patient visits to a rheumatologist. Previous
studies have suggested that complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) use in patients with rheumatic diseases is common, but such
data specific to FMS patients is limited.
Objective: The following study sought to describe the prevalence
of CAM use in a primary care practice of patients with FMS and
assess whether these patients discuss CAM use with their physician,
physician-extender, and/or pharmacist.
Methods: A one-group cross-sectional survey design was implemented
in a large, community-based, private physician practice of patients
diagnosed with FMS. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed
during clinic visits. It solicited information related to demographic
characteristics; FMS-specific health background; whether CAM use
had been discussed with a health care provider; and the “ever-use”
of common types of CAM. Respondents returned the questionnaire
via US mail in a postage-paid, self-addressed envelope.
Results: A total of 115 surveys were distributed with 54 returned
for analysis (47% completion rate). The sample was predominantly
female, well educated and had a mean age of 55.6 years. All respondents
were White. Most respondents (92.6%) reported using some type
of CAM. Exercise (92.2%), chiropractic treatment (48.1%), lifestyle
and diet (45.8%), relaxation therapy (44.9%), and dietary and
herbal supplements (36.5%) were most commonly reported CAM therapies
“ever-used” by respondents. Dietary and herbal supplements with
the highest prevalence of “ever-use” were magnesium (19.2%), guaifenesin
(11.5%), and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) (9.6%). Respondents most
commonly discussed CAM with the clinic rheumatologist and the
primary care physician (53.7% and 38.9%, respectively). Only 14.8%
of respondents discussed CAM with a pharmacist. However, a significantly
higher proportion of respondents who “ever-used” dietary and herbal
supplements discussed CAM with a pharmacist compared to those
who never used dietary and herbal supplements [chi square=6.03,
p=0.014].
Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that CAM use is common in
patients diagnosed with FMS. Compared to other healthcare providers,
respondents were least likely to discuss CAM with a pharmacist.
However, respondents who used dietary and herbal supplements were
more likely to discuss CAM with a pharmacist compared to those
who did not, suggesting the potential influence of pharmacist
intervention.
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