Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

Abstract

Among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), few studies have examined the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and patients' interest in learning mind-body interventions to address health issues. We surveyed 89 adult patients (response rate 84%) at an outpatient hemodialysis center in Brookline, MA, USA regarding the utilization of CAM, including mind-body practices, and willingness to learn mind-body practices. Of respondents, 47% were female, 63% were black, and mean age was 62 years. 61% reported using CAM for health in their lifetime, and 36% reported using CAM within a month of the survey. The most frequent CAM modalities reported in ones' lifetime and in the last month were mind-body practices (42% and 27%, resp.). Overall lifetime CAM use did not differ significantly by sex, race, dialysis vintage, diagnosis of ESRD, employment status, or education level. Subjects reported that mind-body interactions were very important to health with a median score of 9 on a 10-point Likert scale (ranging from 0 for not important to 10 for extremely important). Most patients (74%) reported interest in learning mind-body practices during maintenance hemodialysis. In summary, CAM use, particularly mind-body practice, is frequent among patients with ESRD providing opportunities for future clinical research.

Improving wellbeing in patients undergoing dialysis: Can meditation help?

“…Use of mind‐body techniques to achieve states of mindfulness by hemodialysis patients have been developed from Eastern influences that have spread throughout the world. In the United States, meditation was the most frequent complementary therapy performed, with 42% of dialysis patients reported trying at least one mind‐body therapy and 19% reporting regular weekly use of meditation . Participants in this study were asked whether they would be interested in trying meditation; 74% reported interest in learning mind‐body practices during maintenance hemodialysis .…”

“…In the United States, meditation was the most frequent complementary therapy performed, with 42% of dialysis patients reported trying at least one mind‐body therapy and 19% reporting regular weekly use of meditation . Participants in this study were asked whether they would be interested in trying meditation; 74% reported interest in learning mind‐body practices during maintenance hemodialysis . Similarly, in a US chronic kidney disease and transplant pain clinic, 39% of respondents reported interest in attending an intensive 10‐day meditation retreat …”

<p>Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practice Among Saudi Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study</p>

“…18,19 Several studies have investigated the prevalence of CAM use among patients with CKD and renal transplant recipients. [18][19][20][21][22][23] Osman et al showed that 52% of patients with CKD were using CAM, of whom 78% were using herbal and natural products. Another study revealed that 64.4% of hemodialysis patients used at least one CAM type.…”

Feasibility and Safety of Intradialysis Yoga and Education in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

“…As a complex behavioral intervention, yoga may affect health in various ways. Potential mechanisms for yoga’s affect that may be distinct from health education alone include physical exercise, 32,33 improved autonomic dysfunction (increase in parasympathetic and decrease in sympathetic nervous tone), 34–38 improved mood, 39 stress reduction, 40 increased self-efficacy, 41 and contextual effects (attention from yoga teachers or group effect). Our study did not assess nutritional status or intake which may affect health outcomes among patients receiving MHD; for example nutritional supplements are commonly used among patients with ESRD.…”

“…Our study did not assess nutritional status or intake which may affect health outcomes among patients receiving MHD; for example nutritional supplements are commonly used among patients with ESRD. 32,42–44 …”