Knowledge and use of Integrative and Complementary Health Practices by patients with orofacial pain

Abstract

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Use of Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (ICHP) in pain management has increased, mainly due to the biopsychosocial nature of pain. The objective of this work is to evaluate the knowledge and use of ICHP in patients with orofacial pain and describe the sociodemographic profile of patients that use these therapies. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study and data collection was performed through a questionnaire about knowledge, use and interest in ICHP in a sample of patients with orofacial pain. Adult patients of both sexes under treatment from August 2018 to July 2019 at orofacial pain specialized services were included. RESULTS Fifty-six patients (84.8%) were female and among those 97% had previous knowledge of complementary practices, with acupuncture being the most known (89.6%). In addition, 59% of participants used therapies for orofacial pain, mainly phytotherapy (28.8%). Ninety-seven percent showed interest in knowledge and use of complementary therapies. Among users, the majority was female. CONCLUSION The patients know and use ICHP to relieve orofacial pain and show great interest in the field which justifies inclusion of complementary practices for management of orofacial pain.