# A239 MOTIVATIONS BEHIND CAM USE IN PATIENTS WITH CROHN'S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS

## TL;DR

This study explores why patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis use complementary and alternative medicine, finding similar motivations between the two groups.

## Contribution

The study identifies common push and pull factors for CAM use in IBD patients, highlighting the need for better patient education.

## Key findings

- Both Crohn's and ulcerative colitis patients are similarly motivated by social networks and dissatisfaction with conventional treatments.
- Most patients hope CAM will improve symptoms like fatigue, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- A majority of patients feel they are not well informed about CAM options.

## Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common in IBD patients and impacts compliance with conventional treatment. Gastroenterologists should understand the motivational factors of CAM use—factors that push patients away from standard therapy or pull towards CAM. Our study describes the motivations behind CAM use for IBD and evaluates differences between CD and UC patients.

To compare the motivations behind CAM use between CD and UC patients.

Retrospective cohort survey of patients over 18 years old with IBD, evaluated by gastroenterologists at a tertiary care referral centre from January 1 to December 31, 2019. Only patients that reported CAM use were included. Chi-square and independent t-tests were performed and p-value ampersand:003C0.05 was significant.

Of the 230 completed surveys, 193 reported CAM use (CD:57.5% & UC:42.5%). Demographics, disease duration and hospitalizations were similar, but CD patients had lower SIBDQ scores (CD:48.1 & UC:53.5 pampersand:003C0.001).

Both groups were largely influenced by their social network to use CAM (CD:33% & UC:31.3%) and did not feel well informed of CAM (87.4%). CD and UC patients had similar push and pull factors. Push factors included lack of improvement (39%) and side effects (20%) with conventional treatment. Pull factors included the desire for a holistic approach (21%) and to improve mood (35%). Most patients hoped fatigue 62.7%, diarrhea 61.7% and abdominal pain 58.0% would improve with CAM.

Despite differences in QoL, push and pull motivations for CAM use do not differ between CD and UC patients. Most users do not feel well informed of CAM and ongoing dialogue is important for patient-centred care.

Table 1: Characteristics of CAM use

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