Use of complementary and alternative medicine in Shanghai outpatients with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Abstract Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) measures are widely used by patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but their safety and efficacy have also been questioned. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of CAM use by patients with CKD and to analyze the CAM-related information. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed in Shanghai. In brief, 491 patients with CKD were studied in three hospitals from June to August 2022. Patients were selected using convenience sampling. The questionnaire was comprised of standard demographic questions as well as questions related to the use of CAM measures. Results: Most CKD patients (80.58%) reported using CAM therapy, and the most common measures were medicinal herbs (87%) and acupuncture (31%). In general, CAM measures were used to treat co-morbidities (46.89%) and CKD (36.01%). Furthermore, 47.15% of patients reported using CAM therapy for 6 months, and 77.98% of patients did not disclose the use of CAM therapy to their physicians because they were not asked about it (69.77%). Approximately two-thirds of patients reported CAM to have benefits, and side effects were mentioned by 21.5% of patients. CAM therapy did not cause financial burdens for 70% of patients, and they would recommend CAM to relatives and friends. Conclusion: CAM is widely used by patients with CKD, and medicinal herbs are the most common measure. Patients initiated CAM therapy after receiving information from relatives and friends. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the use of CAM measures to control and prevent adverse effects when combined with conventional medicines and treatments.