Use of alternative and complementary therapies by inflammatory bowel disease patients in an Italian tertiary referral centre

Abstract

Background: Alternative and complementary therapies are increasingly used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease, but no data are available on their use in Italy.

Aim: To ascertain the prevalence and pattern of the use of alternative and complementary therapies, and demographic and clinical factors associated with their use in a large sample of Italian inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to a cohort of outpatients at a tertiary referral centre.

Results: Five hundred and fifty-two patients completed the questionnaire; 156 (28%) reported using alternative and complementary therapies, which mainly involved homeopathy (43.6%), followed by controlled diets or dietary supplements (35.5%), herbs (28.2%), exercise (25.6%) and prayer (14.7%). Alternative and complementary therapies were used to ameliorate intestinal symptoms (52.5%), in the hope of being cured (41%) and to reduce the intake of drugs (39.7%). An improvement in well-being (45.5%) and inflammatory bowel disease symptoms (40.3%) were the most commonly reported benefits. A higher education (p=0.027), a more frequently relapsing disease (p=0.001) and dissatisfaction with the doctor's communication (p=0.001) correlated with alternative and complementary therapy use. Non-compliance with conventional drugs, disease severity and curiosity regarding novel therapies were predictors of alternative and complementary therapy use.

Conclusions: Alternative and complementary therapies are frequently used by Italian inflammatory bowel disease patients. Doctors should improve their empathy and their understanding about possible benefits of alternative and complementary therapies.