RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Is Complementary and Alternative Healthcare Use Associated with Better Outcomes in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis?
JF The Journal of Rheumatology
JO J Rheumatol
FD The Journal of Rheumatology
SP 2302
OP 2307
DO 10.3899/jrheum.081295
VO 36
IS 10
A1 KARINE TOUPIN-APRIL
A1 DEBBIE EHRMANN FELDMAN
A1 MARIA VICTORIA ZUNZUNEGUI
A1 MARTIN DESCARREAUX
A1 PETER MALLESON
A1 CIARÁN M. DUFFY
YR 2009
UL http://www.jrheum.org/content/36/10/2302.abstract
AB Objective. The objectives of this study were (1) to examine the association between the use of complementary and alternative healthcare (CAHC) and subsequent health outcomes; and (2) to explore the association between CAHC use and adherence to conventional treatments in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods. A cohort of children with JIA (n = 182, mean age 10 yrs) who attended outpatient clinics were followed for one year. We evaluated the use of CAHC, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), global health, physical functioning, pain, and disease severity at 3-month intervals. We also evaluated perceived adherence to treatments. General estimating equations were performed to determine the association between use of CAHC and subsequent outcomes while controlling for possible confounders. Results. CAHC was used by 36.4% of participants over the 12-month period. Use of CAHC was associated with subsequent lower global health and physical functioning despite higher adherence to prescribed medications as assessed by the rheumatologist (p < 0.05). Use of CAHC was not associated with subsequent improved HRQOL or decreased pain or disease severity. Conclusion. Children with JIA who use CAHC do not have improved outcomes, at least over the relatively short term. Nevertheless, they seem to be more adherent to conventional treatment according to the rheumatologist.