The impact of a moderated e-mail discussion group on use of complementary and alternative therapies in subjects with recurrent back pain.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to examine whether or not participation in an e-mail discussion group would affect use of selected complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities during an Internet-based, 1-year randomized, controlled trial on back pain management. METHODS: Intervention subjects (n = 190) participated in a closed, moderated e-mail discussion group; control subjects (n = 231) received usual care. At 1 year, we compared CAM use over the previous 6-month period during which intervention subjects had had interactive discussions about them. Differences in CAM use between groups were compared using Chi-square and t-tests. RESULTS: Subjects did not differ statistically between groups (p > 0.05). They were Caucasian (approximately 91%), male (approximately 60%), in their mid-40s, well educated, had approximately 13 years back pain duration, a disability level approximately 10 (Roland-Morris scale: 0-23; 23 = worst), and >80% had used the Internet for greater than a year before the randomized trial. During the study period, only small proportions in either group had initiated use of glucosamine (13% versus 8%), chiropractic services (5% versus 4%), acupuncture (3%, both), yoga (6% versus 4%), or magnets (6%, both). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that participation in interactive discussions over the Internet about these CAM modalities may not affect their use.