M E D I C U S - Shoqata e Mjekëve Shqiptarë të Maqedonisë-Hipokrati

e- mail: rozeta.mileva@gmail.com
RESUME: Introduction: Alternative and complementary medicine techniques are
frequently used by patients for treating their disorders. Objectives of our study were to
get data on the alternative medicine methods use in a group of 180 ambulatory
outpatients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, sociodemographic characteristics of
user of these therapies and communication between users and their doctors. Methods: In
our study, 180 adult out-patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders were
interviewed considering alternative and complementary medicine use. A special
questionnaire was designed for collecting the data. Inclusion criteria were age above 18
years, presence of musculoskeletal complaints and ability of the patient to answer the
questionnaire on his own. Results: The results showed that 134 patients (74.4%) of the
interviewed used alternative and complementary therapy for treating their
musculoskeletal complaints. We did not find a statistically significant association
between patients` gender and use of these methods. On the other hand, married patients
and those with higher level of education used alternative and complementary methods
significantly more commonly. We found that 82 patients (61,2%) have self-reported the
use of alternative measures to their doctor. Most commonly used therapies were massage,
chiropractic and acupuncture as well as local herbal therapy (ointments containing herbal
extracts). Discussion and conclusion: Different alternative and complementary medicine
techniques are used among patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. Pain and
chronicity of the disorders seem to be important factors for use of alternative medicinal
methods. Apart from the benefits that these methods give to patients, there are certain
risks and precaution is necessary especially when certain techniques applied. The
communication between doctors and their patients is very important and helps to reduce
these risks and maximize the benefits for the patient.
Key words: alternative, complementary, medicine, use, musculoskeletal disorders
Medicus 2009, Vol. XI (1):
INTRODUTION
Numerous studies conducted in different parts of the world (Europe, Australia, the
United States) show the high prevalence of use of alternative and complementary
medicine [1-3].
The seven categories of alternative medicine, as established by the Office of
Alternative Medicine of the National Institute of Health in the United States are: mindbody
interventions, bioelectromagnetic therapies, alternative systems of medical practice,
manual healing methods, pharmacologic and biologic treatments, herbal medicine, and
diet and nutrition [4-6] .
Some principles in alternative medicine are consistent with physiological
principles of conventional medicine and others are independent healing systems. A
survey among the general population in the UK estimated that 10% of the population has
used some alternative medical method in 2003 [1] . A survey conducted among 120
patients in Skopje on the use of herbal medicine, showed that 57, 5% of the patients in
the study have used one or more herbal products [7] . Some studies investigate the