Complementary and alternative medicine usage amongst multiple sclerosis patients in Iran

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage amongst multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Iran and to evaluate the perceived effectiveness. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 194 patients with MS at the neurology clinics affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences by a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of CAM usage was 67.9%. Herbal medicine was the most common CAM used among the patients (64.2%). Cupping therapy, relaxation therapies, acupuncture, leech therapy were the other common CAM modalities used. Although less commonly used, yoga had the highest perceived effectiveness. Conclusions: Due to the high prevalence of CAM usage, physicians should inform their patients about the advantages and disadvantages of CAM so as to help the patients make an informed choice.