1
|
Opuni KF, Kretchy JP, Agyabeng K, Boadu JA, Adanu T, Ankamah S, Appiah A, Amoah GB, Baidoo M, Kretchy IA. Contamination of herbal medicinal products in low-and-middle-income countries: A systematic review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19370. [PMID: 37674839 PMCID: PMC10477504 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) has grown significantly across low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Consequently, the safety of these products due to contamination is a significant public health concern. This systematic review aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and levels of contaminants in HMPs from LMICs. A search was performed in seven online databases, i.e., Africa journal online (AJOL), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Health Inter-Network Access to Research Initiative (HINARI), World Health Organization Global Index Medicus (WHO GIM), Scopus, and PubMed using appropriate search queries and reported as per the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) guidelines. Ninety-one peer-reviewed articles published from 1982 to 2021 from 28 different countries across four continents were included in the study. Although metals, microbial, mycotoxins, pesticides, and residual solvents were the reported contaminants in the 91 articles, metals (56.0%, 51/91), microbial (27.5%, 25/91), and mycotoxins (18.7%, 17/91) were the most predominant. About 16.4% (1236/7518) of the samples had their contaminant levels above the regulatory limits. Samples tested for microbial contaminants had the highest proportion (46.4%, 482/1039) of contaminants exceeding the regulatory limit, followed by mycotoxins (25.8%, 109/423) and metals (14.3%, 591/4128). The proportion of samples that had their average non-essential metal contaminant levels above the regulatory limit was (57.6%, 377/655), 18.3% (88/480), 10.7% (24/225), and 11.3% (29/257) for Pb, Cd, Hg, and As, respectively. The commonest bacteria species found were Escherichia coli (52.3%, 10/19) and Salmonella species (42.1%, 8/19). This review reported that almost 90% of Candida albicans and more than 80% of moulds exceeded the required regulatory limits. HMP consumption poses profound health implications to consumers and patients. Therefore, designing and/or implementing policies that effectively regulate HMPs to minimize the health hazards related to their consumption while improving the quality of life of persons living in LMICs are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwabena F.M. Opuni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - James-Paul Kretchy
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Central University, P. O. Box 2305, Miotso, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kofi Agyabeng
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG13, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph A. Boadu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Theodosia Adanu
- Balme Library, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG24, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Ankamah
- Balme Library, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG24, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Alexander Appiah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Geralda B. Amoah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mariam Baidoo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Irene A. Kretchy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Segovia G, Sanz-Barbero B. “It Works for Me”: Pseudotherapy Use is Associated With Trust in Their Efficacy Rather Than Belief in Their Scientific Validity. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604594. [PMID: 36188754 PMCID: PMC9522909 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To identify how perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs towards pseudotherapies, health, medicine, and the public health system influence the pseudotherapy use in Spain.Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study using the Survey of Social Perception of Science and Technology-2018 (5,200 interviews). Dependent variable: ever use of pseudotherapies. Covariables: attitude towards medicine, health and public health system; perceived health; assessment of the scientific character of homeopathy/acupuncture. The association was estimated using prevalence ratios obtained by Poisson regression models. The model was adjusted for age and socioeconomic variables.Results: Pseudotherapy use was higher in women (24.9%) than in men (14.2%) (p < 0.001). The probability of use in men (p < 0.001) and women (p < 0.001) increases with the belief in pseudotherapies’ usefulness. Among men, a proactive attitude (reference: passive) towards medicine and health (RP:1.3), and a negative (reference: positive) assessment of the quality of the public health system increased use-probability (RP:1.2). For women, poor health perceived (referencie: good) increased likelihood of use (RP:1.2).Conclusion: Pseudotherapy use in Spain was associated with confidence in its usefulness irrespective of users’ assessment of its scientific validity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Segovia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Joint Research Institute National Distance Education University and Health Institute Carlos III (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Gregorio Segovia,
| | - Belén Sanz-Barbero
- Joint Research Institute National Distance Education University and Health Institute Carlos III (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology and Statistics Department, National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Epidemilogy and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lobera J, Rogero-García J. Scientific Appearance and Homeopathy. Determinants of Trust in Complementary and Alternative Medicine. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 36:1278-1285. [PMID: 32285701 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1750764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have investigated the motivations driving the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). Nevertheless, the general public view of these therapies remains relatively unexplored. Our study identifies the social factors that determine a person's trust in alternative therapies, like homeopathy or acupuncture, drawing conclusions from the results of the Spanish National Survey on the Social Perception of Science and Technology (N = 6,357). We show that trust in the effectiveness of CAM therapies is not mutually exclusive with a belief in science for the general public, pointing to a certain level of disinformation. The comparison with superstitions confirms a clear differentiation with the drivers of trust in analyzed CAM therapies. We argue that scientific appearance of these alternative therapies, in terms of prescription, communication and marketing, may play an important role in determining trust in them for a large part of the population. Furthermore, we confirm that women and those with higher socio-economic status are more likely to express trust in the effectiveness of CAM therapies. Additionally, distrust of the influence of big pharma on health policies seems to have an effect on viewing CAM therapies as more effective. Finally, we argue that media and pharmacies may have an effect on the scientific-like perception of CAM therapies, contributing to the social construction of trust in its effectiveness. Therefore, widespread confusion about the scientific validation of homeopathy may be among the main factors driving its successful extension as a practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josep Lobera
- Department of Sociology, Autonomous University of Madrid
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hunter PhD MScPH BMed J, Majd Md Ms I, Kowalski Dc M, Harnett PhD MHSc BHSc JE. Interprofessional Communication-A Call for More Education to Ensure Cultural Competency in the Context of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine. Glob Adv Health Med 2021; 10:21649561211014107. [PMID: 34035989 PMCID: PMC8126956 DOI: 10.1177/21649561211014107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Culturally appropriate communication between healthcare professionals and with patients
is widely recognised as a cornerstone of high quality, patient-centred care. The
widespread use of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) necessitates
that patient-centre communication and cultural competency in healthcare extends beyond
race, ethnicity, and languages spoken to also include an awareness of, and respect for the
diverse range of healthcare practices, paradigms, and lexicons that patients and
practitioners use. Education can equip practitioners with the necessary communication
skills and expand their knowledge about the therapies and practices that patients are
accessing. In this viewpoint essay, we aim to 1) emphasise the importance of respectful,
culturally competent interprofessional communication and collaboration that mutually
supports patients’ care needs; 2) note the impact of a political agenda that perpetuates
medical hegemony and has discriminated against, and marginalised TCIM practitioners and
the people who use these services; and 3) highlight the importance of educational
initiatives that support inclusive, culturally competent, interprofessional communication
and collaboration between conventional and TCIM healthcare practitioners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Iman Majd Md Ms
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Use of complementary and alternative medicine and quality of life of cancer patients who received chemotherapy in Turkey. Complement Ther Med 2019; 44:143-150. [PMID: 31126547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate the frequency of use of CAM therapies among cancer patients, the types of CAM therapies they used, the demographic and clinical factors affecting their tendency to use CAM therapies, and the difference between quality of life of CAM user and non-user patients. DESIGN This cross-sectional study was carried out between March and June 2016 in an education and research hospital located in Mugla, Turkey. A CAM use questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3.0) and the Nightingale Symptom Assessment Scale (N-SAS) were administered to 211 patients. RESULTS Among all the participating patients, 46.4% were CAM users. The most commonly used CAM therapy was herbal products. The rate of CAM use was higher among the patients with a low education level (P = 0.004). No statistically significant difference was found between the quality-of-life scores of the CAM user and non-user patients. CONCLUSION Almost half of the cancer patients used CAM therapy, with the most commonly used CAM therapy being herbal products. Doctors/nurses should assess patients in terms of the CAM therapies they use to determine their possible side effects and drug interactions. Further research should be performed to determine the relationship between CAM therapy and quality of life.
Collapse
|
6
|
Tonob D, Melby MK. Broadening our perspectives on complementary and alternative medicine for menopause: A narrative review. Maturitas 2017; 99:79-85. [PMID: 28364873 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used for menopause, although not all women disclose use to their healthcare providers. This narrative review aims to expand providers' understanding of cross-cultural approaches to treating and managing menopause by providing an overarching framework and perspective on CAM treatments. Increased provider understanding and awareness may improve not only provider-patient communication but also effectiveness of treatments. The distinction between illness (what patients suffer) and disease (what physicians treat) highlights the gap between what patients seek and doctors provide, and may help clarify why many women seek CAM at menopause. For example, CAM is often sought by women for whom biomedicine has been unsuccessful or inaccessible. We review the relevance to menopause of three CAM categories: natural products, mind-body practices including meditation, and other complementary health approaches including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Japanese Kampo. Assessing the effectiveness of CAM is challenging because of the individualized nature of illness patterns and associated treatments, which complicate the design of randomized controlled trials. Because many women seek CAM due to inefficacy of biomedical treatments, or cultural or economic marginalization, biomedical practitioners who make an effort to learn about CAM and ask patients about their CAM use or interest may dramatically improve the patient-provider relationship and rapport, as well as harnessing the 'meaning response' (Moerman, 2002) imbued in the clinical encounter. By working with women to integrate their CAM-related health-seeking behaviors and treatments, providers may also boost the efficacy of their own biomedical treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dunia Tonob
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delaware, USA
| | - Melissa K Melby
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delaware, USA; College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hypertensive patients' preferences for complementary and alternative medicine and the influence of these preferences on the adherence to prescribed medication. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2014; 20:99-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
8
|
Stoneman P, Sturgis P, Allum N, Sibley E. Incommensurable worldviews? Is public use of complementary and alternative medicines incompatible with support for science and conventional medicine? PLoS One 2013; 8:e53174. [PMID: 23382836 PMCID: PMC3559728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Proponents of controversial Complementary and Alternative Medicines, such as homeopathy, argue that these treatments can be used with great effect in addition to, and sometimes instead of, 'conventional' medicine. In doing so, they accept the idea that the scientific approach to the evaluation of treatment does not undermine use of and support for some of the more controversial CAM treatments. For those adhering to the scientific canon, however, such efficacy claims lack the requisite evidential basis from randomised controlled trials. It is not clear, however, whether such opposition characterises the views of the general public. In this paper we use data from the 2009 Wellcome Monitor survey to investigate public use of and beliefs about the efficacy of a prominent and controversial CAM within the United Kingdom, homeopathy. We proceed by using Latent Class Analysis to assess whether it is possible to identify a sub-group of the population who are at ease in combining support for science and conventional medicine with use of CAM treatments, and belief in the efficacy of homeopathy. Our results suggest that over 40% of the British public maintain positive evaluations of both homeopathy and conventional medicine simultaneously. Explanatory analyses reveal that simultaneous support for a controversial CAM treatment and conventional medicine is, in part, explained by a lack of scientific knowledge as well as concerns about the regulation of medical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Stoneman
- Department of Sociology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stoneman P, Sturgis P, Allum N. Understanding support for complementary and alternative medicine in general populations: Use and perceived efficacy. Health (London) 2012; 17:512-29. [DOI: 10.1177/1363459312465973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Proponents of complementary and alternative medicine argue that these treatments can be used with great effect in addition to, and sometimes instead of, conventional medicine, a position which has drawn sustained opposition from those who advocate an evidence-based approach to the evaluation of treatment efficacy. Using recent survey data from the United Kingdom, this article seeks to establish a clearer understanding of the nature of the public’s relationship with complementary and alternative medicine within the general population by focusing on beliefs about the perceived effectiveness of homeopathy, in addition to its reported use. Using recent data from the United Kingdom, we initially demonstrate that reported use and perceived effectiveness are far from coterminous and argue that for a proper understanding of the motivations underpinning public support of complementary and alternative medicine, consideration of both reported use and perceived effectiveness is necessary. We go on to demonstrate that although the profile of homeopathy users differs from those who support this form of medicine, neither outcome is dependent upon peoples’ levels of knowledge about science. Instead, the results suggest a far greater explanatory role for need and concerns about conventional medicine.
Collapse
|
10
|
Alshagga MA, Al-Dubai SA, Muhamad Faiq SS, Yusuf AA. Use of complementary and alternative medicine among asthmatic patients in primary care clinics in Malaysia. Ann Thorac Med 2011; 6:115-9. [PMID: 21760841 PMCID: PMC3131752 DOI: 10.4103/1817-1737.82438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the knowledge about asthma and the prevalence, disclosure and evaluation of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among asthmatic patients. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 95 patients diagnosed with asthma in a primary healthcare centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS Ninety-five patients with a mean age of 47.06 years (±12.8) participated, the majority were female (66.7%), Malay (72.6%). The prevalence of ever-CAM use was 61.1%. The non-ever-CAM users' mean age was 51±13.9 years while the ever-CAM users' mean age was 44.5 ±11.5 years (P = 0.021). Sixty-three females (66.8%) used CAM compared to 14 males (43.8%) (P = 0.014). Thirty-six (62.1%) CAM users had not discussed use of CAM with their doctors. The main reason of non-disclosure was the doctor never asked (55.6%), and the main sources of information about CAM were family and relatives (46.6%). There was no significant difference between use of CAM and knowledge about asthma. The majority of asthmatic patients used rubs (39%), foods (16.9%) and herbs (16.9%). About 76% of asthmatic patients perceived CAM as good for their disease management. On linear multiple regression, Malay race (P = 0.026) and female gender (P = 0.006) were significant predictors of CAM use. CONCLUSION Use of CAM among asthmatic patients is relatively high, particularly among females. The majority of asthmatic patients valued the use of CAM. Non-disclosure was high in this study. Health education of asthmatic patients about CAM is highly recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ahmed Alshagga
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, Main Campus Teknokrat 3, Cyberjaya, Malaysia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
The use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with cancer: In Turkey. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2011; 17:230-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
12
|
|
13
|
|
14
|
Adams RJ, Appleton SL, Cole A, Gill TK, Taylor AW, Hill CL. Oral complementary medicine and alternative practitioner use varies across chronic conditions and attitudes to risk. Clin Epidemiol 2010; 2:251-60. [PMID: 21152252 PMCID: PMC2998815 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s12741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether chronic conditions and patient factors, such as risk perception and decision-making preferences, are associated with complementary medicine and alternative practitioner use in a representative longitudinal population cohort. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Analysis of data from Stage 2 of the North West Adelaide Health Study of 3161 adults who attended a study clinic visit in 2004-2006. The main outcome measures were the medications brought by participants to the study clinic visit, chronic health conditions, attitudes to risk, levels of satisfaction with conventional medicine, and preferred decision-making style. RESULTS At least one oral complementary medicine was used by 27.9% of participants, and 7.3% were visiting alternative practitioners (naturopath, osteopath). Oral complementary medicine use was significantly associated with arthritis, osteoporosis, and mental health conditions, but not with other chronic conditions. Any pattern of complementary medicine use was generally significantly associated with female gender, age at least 45 years, patient-driven decision-making preferences (odds ratio [OR] 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.77), and frequent general practitioner visits (>five per year; OR 3.62, 95% CI: 2.13-6.17). Alternative practitioner visitors were younger, with higher levels of education (diploma/trade [OR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.28-2.76], bachelor's degree [OR 1.77, 95% CI: 1.11-2.82], income >$80,000 (OR 2.28, 95% CI: 1.26-4.11), female gender (OR 3.15, 95% CI: 2.19-4.52), joint pain not diagnosed as arthritis (OR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.17-2.41), moderate to severe depressive symptoms (OR 2.15, 95% CI: 1.04-4.46), and risk-taking behavior (3.26, 1.80-5.92), or low-to-moderate risk aversion (OR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.26-4.11). CONCLUSION Although there is widespread use of complementary medicines in the Australian community, there are differing patterns of use between those using oral complementary medicines and those using alternative practitioners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tiffany K Gill
- Population Research and Outcomes Unit, SA Health, The University of Adelaide Discipline of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia
| | - Anne W Taylor
- Population Research and Outcomes Unit, SA Health, The University of Adelaide Discipline of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Barriers to patient referral for Complementary and Alternative Medicines and its implications on interventions. Complement Ther Med 2010; 18:135-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2010.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Revised: 02/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
16
|
Gansler T, Kaw C, Crammer C, Smith T. A population-based study of prevalence of complementary methods use by cancer survivors: a report from the American Cancer Society's studies of cancer survivors. Cancer 2008; 113:1048-57. [PMID: 18680170 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.23659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of complementary methods (CMs) is widespread and increasing in the United States. Most literature on CM use among cancer survivors focuses on the treatment period, whereas only a few studies address use further along the cancer continuum. METHODS This study analyzed the prevalence and the medical and demographic associations of CM use among cancer survivors surveyed 10 to 24 months after diagnosis. The study's sample-4139 survivors of 1 of 10 adult cancers-was selected from stratified random samples provided by statewide cancer registries and surveyed by mail and telephone. Three logistic regression models examined associations between medical and demographic factors and CM use among survivors of sex-specific and non-sex-specific cancers. RESULTS Of the 19 CMs included in the survey, the CMs most frequently reported were prayer/spiritual practice (61.4%), relaxation (44.3%), faith/spiritual healing (42.4%), nutritional supplements/vitamins (40.1%), meditation (15%), religious counseling (11.3%), massage (11.2%), and support groups (9.7%). Among these 19 CMs, the least prevalent were hypnosis (0.4%), biofeedback therapy (1.0%), and acupuncture/acupressure (1.2%). Survivors more likely to use CMs were female, younger, white, higher income, and more educated. CONCLUSIONS This study provides information regarding prevalence and medical-demographic determinants of CM use reported by a large, population-based sample of survivors of 10 cancers surveyed 10 to 24 months after diagnosis. These findings may be used by clinicians and researchers to inform their decisions regarding which CMs to address in practice and research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ted Gansler
- Health Promotions, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|