The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55293

Joerg Klewer, MD PhD, Karen Vogt, Ilse Worm, and Joachim Kugler, MD PhD. Public Health, Dresden Medical School, IMIB-Fetscherstr. 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany, 0049-351-3177217, Joklewer@aol.com

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease. Due to modern therapies, the prognosis is better than some years before. Although, the chronic condition of MS motivates several patients to make use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In collaboration with the German Multiple Sclerosis Association, 827 MS patients in Saxony with confirmed MS were asked to work on a mailed anonymous questionnaire. The questions were related to demographical data, impairments, therapeutical course, use of CAM, illness related costs and quality of life (SF-36). Altogether 701 patients returned their questionnaires (response rate: 84%; average age: 49 years, 74% females). Over 75% of the patients reported disturbed coordination and sensibility. Around 50% complained about muscle weakness, spasticity and visual disturbances. Almost 5% reported regularly treatment by non-medical practitioners. Fewer than 10% admitted spending money for CAM (5-1000€ monthly), but 50% reported use of CAM, especially homeopathy, vitamins, diets and acupuncture. Compared with the MS patients not using CAM, these patients experienced decreased quality of life in the SF-36-dimensions physical role and emotional role. The results indicate, that despite modern therapies, a considerable number of MS patients still uses CAM to cope with illness-related problems. Therefore, better care for those patients by their physicians is required. By this, MS patients would be protected from unproved CAM and their quality of life will be improved. Additionally, the results point to the methodological problem, that more patients report to use CAM than those who admit to spend money for CAM.

Learning Objectives:

• After the presentation the participants should be informed about physical impairments, quality of life and use of CAM reported by MS patients. Additionally, they should notice the methodological problem, that the percentage of patients reporting use CAM is higher than the number of patients admitting to spend money for CAM.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.