Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine with Osteoarthritis Patients

Abstract

Introduction: The treatment of Osteoarthritis (OA) includes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods. In getting no response to traditional medical treatment it causes the use of effective and confident treatment of OA and as a result patients tend to use Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Methods: This study which is a descriptive type has been done on patients with OA in case of defining the use of CAM. This study has been done on patients who applied to physical therapy polyclinics. The sample of the study covers 77 patients with OA. In accumulating the data questionnaire form has been used. The data were evaluated by computer, percentage and chi-square. Results: In our study it has been found out that 23.4% of OA patients used CAM. In applying CAM methods it has been determined that 66.6% used massage, 38.8% used diet and 33% used music. 83.3% of patients using CAM with the notice of a doctor whereas 16.7% without it. Marital status, birth place and income conditions in relation with the use of CAM have been statistically significant (p