The prevalence and predictors of herbal medicines usage among adult rheumatoid arthritis patients: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of herbal medicines usage among adult Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional, case-control study, the case group included 500 RA patients and the control group contained 500 control individuals. SETTING: The study was performed in three rheumatology, surgical, and orthopedic clinics affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The pattern of herbal medicines usage was assessed by a researcher-made questionnaire. RESULTS: In this study, 51.4% of the subjects in the RA group and 36.4% of those in the control group used herbal medicines. The most frequently used herbal medicines were thyme (43.4%), chamomile (36.9%), borage (36.8%), lavender (31.2%), ginger (28.5%), and cinnamon (21.5%) among RA patients. The results showed a significant difference between the two groups with regard to usage of herbal medicines, such as chamomile, cinnamon, and ginger. Besides, the results of logistic regression analysis on RA patients showed that males (odds ratio = 0.50, p = 0.001) used herbal medicines less compared to females. Additionally, married RA patients (odds ratio = 0.35, p = 0.03), illiterate ones (odds ratio = 2.45, p = 0.001), and those with high school diplomas (odds ratio = 1.64, p = 0.02) used herbal medicines more compared to other patients. CONCLUSION: This study showed that more than half of RA patients used herbal medicines. All herbal medicines (thyme, chamomile, borage, lavender, ginger, and cinnamon) had anti-inflammatory effects. Yet, further studies have to be conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines usage in RA patients.

The impact of dietary habits on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis: a case-control study.

It has not been clear what kinds and how much nutrients could be harmful, preventive, or healthful for development of rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to determine the impact of dietary habits on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. This case-control study was conducted on a total of 500 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 500 healthy controls refereed to three clinics of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2015-2016. Convenience sampling was used for data collection in both case and control groups. An approved valid and reliable questionnaire including information about the intake of different kinds of beverages, and nutritious and non-nutritious diet was used. Data were analyzed by SPSS, version 20, using t test, chi-square and Multiple Logistic Regression model. The associations between rheumatoid arthritis development and variables including drinking 1-7 cups of coffee (OR = .44, CI .25-.76), ≥ 8 cups of coffee (OR = .50, CI .28-.90), full-fat milk (OR = 1.01, CI 1.003-1.03) per month, and intake of green tea (OR = .65, CI .45-.93) and solid oils (OR = 2.29, CI:1.57-3.34) were significant. Based on the findings, coffee consumption more than one cup per month and green tea might have preventive effects on developing rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, patients who consumed more full-fat milk per month and solid oil might be at risk of development of rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, modification of diet based on these findings is suggested. Performing a cohort study to determine the causality effect of dietary habits and development and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis is recommended.