This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use on functional status and pain relief in patients with Chronic Rheumatic Diseases (CRDs) using the Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). This cross-sectional multicentre study involved patients from rheumatology outpatient clinics who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) criteria for rheumatic disease diagnosis. The exclusion criteria included acute flares or comorbid conditions that could interfere with the outcomes. Data collection included demographic and clinical data, pharmacotherapy, CAM usage, and its impact on the VAS and HAQ scales. The study included 126 patients. A significant proportion (57%) reported CAM use, with a preference for one (67%) or multiple (33%) modalities. CAM users exhibited significantly lower VAS scores, indicating reduced pain perception, and lower HAQ scores, suggesting better functional status than non-users. Correlation analyses highlighted strong positive associations between patient age, disease duration, and CAM use preference, as well as between educational level and specific CAM therapies. CAM use among patients with CRDs is associated with significant improvements in pain perception and functional capacity, as evidenced by lower VAS and HAQ scores. These findings suggest the potential of CAM to complement conventional rheumatology treatments, highlighting its value in patient-centered care and indicating its role in improving patient outcomes. However, the study's cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data necessitate further research for causal inferences and robust establishment of CAM efficacy.
Key words: Complementary and alternative medicine, rheumatic diseases, visual analogue pain scale, health assessment questionnaire
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