A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Patients With IBS-C

Holist Nurs Pract. 2020 May/Jun;34(3):171-179. doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000383.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among patients with constipation irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). This qualitative study consisted of a total of 30 patients who were admitted to a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using a descriptive questionnaire and a semistructured interview. Data analysis identified 5 main themes: (1) the constipation-associated difficulties experienced because of IBS; (2) the feeling that CAM is natural and useful; (3) the effect of environmental stimuli in preferring the use of CAM; (4) the feeling that CAM is not negative and relieves symptoms; and (5) suggesting the use of CAM. In conclusion, it was determined that all the patients with IBS-C used various CAM methods. It may be recommended that health care professionals should raise awareness among patients about CAM methods that may be useful.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Complementary Therapies / methods
  • Complementary Therapies / standards*
  • Complementary Therapies / statistics & numerical data
  • Constipation / psychology
  • Constipation / therapy*
  • Female
  • Hospitals, University / organization & administration
  • Hospitals, University / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic / methods
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / complications*
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / psychology
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy / methods
  • Phytotherapy / standards
  • Phytotherapy / statistics & numerical data
  • Qualitative Research
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Turkey