Cross-Sectional Survey of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Used in Oregon and Southwest Washington to Treat Multiple Sclerosis: A 17-Year Update

Abstract Background In 2001, we conducted a survey on use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) in Oregon and Southwest Washington to treat their disease. Objectives, Methods In 2018, we administered a revised survey in the same region to describe updated patterns of CAM use in pwMS and to compare changes in use, perceived benefit, and patterns of communication between participants and providers regarding CAM over the past 17 years. Results 81% of respondents in 2018 (n=1014) used a CAM supplement (vitamins, minerals, herbs), 39% used mind-body therapies (mindfulness, massage), 41% used specific diet, and 81% used exercise to treat their multiple sclerosis. Since 2001, use of supplements, exercise, and mind-body therapies have increased (65% to 81%, 67 to 81%, and 14% to 39%). Participants were also nine times more likely to speak to their neurologists about CAM use (6.7% to 55.4%). In 2018, factors associated with CAM use included female sex, progressive disease, and longer time since multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Conclusion These findings highlight the high and increasing prevalence of CAM use in pwMS and factors associated with CAM use, and underscore the importance of research to investigate safety and efficacy of these therapies.