Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients attending a hospital dermatology clinic in Taiwan

Background Recent studies have indicated that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been gaining popularity around the world. Previous studies showed that CAM use was common among dermatology patients in Western nations. This study presents the prevalence and types of CAM use among a group of patients in a dermatology clinic in Taiwan. Methods A convenient sample of 198 patients was recruited from the dermatology clinic of Show Chwan Memorial Hospital in Changhua City, Taiwan. Each patient completed a standardized questionnaire. Chi-square tests were used to compare the demographic characteristics of those who did and did not use CAM. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the strength of association between correlate variables and CAM use. Results Forty-one per cent of subjects had used CAM to treat their dermatological conditions. Subjects in the younger (< 30 years) and older (> 50 years) age groups were more likely to use CAM than those in the 30-50-year age group. Those that participated in religious or social groups were more likely to use CAM. CAM users felt a more negative impact of their dermatological conditions on daily living, relationships, emotional well-being and physical health. Conclusions As in Western nations, CAM use is prevalent among dermatology patients in Taiwan: not only the traditionally popular Chinese CAM, but also Western CAM. With CAM being popular in the younger age group, dermatologists will likely encounter more CAM users in the future. Because some CAM may produce serious side-effects, dermatologists need to help and guide patients to assess the benefits and dangers of using CAM to treat dermatological conditions.