Abstract
Background. The use of complementary and alternative medicine in critical illness is increasing worldwide. This study investigates how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is used in stroke patients. Methods. Using Taiwan National Health Insurance reimbursement claims, we compared the annual use of TCM between stroke patients and general population, identifying 15,330 patients with a new onset of stroke in 2000–2009. The sociodemographic status and medical comorbidities between stroke patients receiving TCM services and those without using the service were compared. Results. The use of TCM was higher in stroke patients than in the general population, 27.9% versus 25.4% in 2000 and 32.7% versus 27.8% in 2009, respectively, and grew consistently from 2000 to 2009. Among stroke patients, women, younger patients, white-collar employees, higher-income residents, and those living in areas with more TCM physicians were more likely to use TCM. Stroke patients using rehabilitation services were more likely to have more TCM visits (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.96–2.66) and higher expenditure on TCM (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 2.29–3.12) compared with stroke patients without rehabilitation. Conclusion. TCM is popular and well accepted in Taiwan. Patients with stroke have a higher TCM utilization rate than people without stroke.
Highlights
The incidence of stroke is declining worldwide [1], it remains the leading cause of acquired disability in adults and the second leading cause of death in most areas [2, 3]
The objective of this study is to investigate factors associated with the firstyear use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for people suffering from stroke
TCM use was higher in stroke patients than in general population annually from 2000–2009 (P < 0.0001) (Table 1)
Summary
The incidence of stroke is declining worldwide [1], it remains the leading cause of acquired disability in adults and the second leading cause of death in most areas [2, 3]. Stroke patients commonly suffer from sequelae and complications such as dementia, depression, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, decubitus, fall (hip fracture), epilepsy, dysphagia, and constipation [6, 7]. Rehabilitation such as physical therapy may prevent sequelae after stroke or improve functional status [8]. Using Taiwan National Health Insurance reimbursement claims, we compared the annual use of TCM between stroke patients and general population, identifying 15,330 patients with a new onset of stroke in 2000–2009. The use of TCM was higher in stroke patients than in the general population, 27.9% versus 25.4% in 2000 and 32.7% versus 27.8% in 2009, respectively, and grew consistently from 2000 to 2009. Patients with stroke have a higher TCM utilization rate than people without stroke
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
