Use of complementary and alternative medicine by arthritis patients in a university hospital clinic serving rheumatology patients in Korea

There is a paucity of data regarding the use of and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among arthritis patients in Asia. This study was performed to assess the use of CAM, related demographic and clinical factors, and attitudes among Korean arthritis patients. We conducted a survey of patients in rheumatology clinics affiliated with a university hospital. One hundred fifty patients (68.5%) reported using at least one form of CAM during the previous 12 months. Herbal remedies and acupuncture were the most frequently used categories of CAM. Among the parameters analyzed, income level was significantly and negatively associated with frequent or regular use of CAM. Dialogue about CAM use with Korean patients does not seem to have been initiated yet, as the main reason given for not discussing CAM use with physicians was "not being asked."