The Perception and Utilization patterns of Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception and utilization patterns of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Methods: A total of 92 fibromyalgia syndrome patients participated in this study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and were analyzed with SPSS/WIN 23.0 program. Results: As a result, 59.8% of subjects had an experience of CAM and 33.7% of subjects have used until now. There were significant differences of the use of CAM between the group of CAM users and non-CAM users by education ( $x^2$ =4.04, p=.044), period of illness ( $x^2$ =15.03, p=.001), and period of treatment ( $x^2$ =12.10, p=.002). Relatively large numbers of patients understanded as that CAM was effective (58.7%) and fibromyalgia syndrome was controllable (75.0%). Moreover, there were significant differences of the use of CAM by the perception of CAM effects ( $x^2$ =4.15, p=.042), fibromyalgia syndrome ( $x^2$ =6.55, p=.038), and best treatment for fibromyalgia ( $x^2$ =11.03, p=.001). Conclusion: These results could be utilized as a basic data for developing nursing intervention for fibromyalgia syndrome.