The Use of Mind-Body Medicine and Prayer Among Adult Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C

Gastroenterology Nursing:
May/June 2010 - Volume 33 - Issue 3 - p 210–216
doi: 10.1097/SGA.0b013e3181e01a7b

Richmond, Jacqueline A. PhD, MPH, RN; Bailey, Donald E. Jr. PhD, RN; McHutchison, John G. MD; Muir, Andrew J. MD

AbstractThe use of mind–body medicine by patients with chronic hepatitis C has not been reported. The prevalence and reasons for using mind–body medicine and prayer among a cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis C are described. Use of mind–body medicine and prayer was investigated as a component of a larger exploratory, descriptive study of the use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with hepatitis C attending a tertiary healthcare facility in the United States. An investigator-designed self-administered questionnaire (n = 149) and semistructured interview (n = 28) were completed by participants. Eighty-eight percent (n = 105) of participants had used mind–body medicine in the past 12 months. The most commonly used therapies were prayer for health reasons (90%), deep breathing (29%), and meditation (29%). Mind–body medicine was most commonly used to relieve tension and promote general well-being. The use of mind–body medicine was widespread among patients with chronic hepatitis C. To provide patient-centered healthcare, health providers need to be aware of the alternative support strategies, including mind–body medicine, used by patients.


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