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Ng JY, Li SY, Cramer H. Perceptions and attitudes regarding complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine among published neurology authors: a large-scale, international cross-sectional survey. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:215. [PMID: 38914963 PMCID: PMC11194990 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03661-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While many patients with neurological disorders and conditions use complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM), little is known about the use, perceptions, and attitudes regarding CAIM among published neurology authors. With the increasing popularity of CAIM, our objective was to assess practices, perceptions, and attitudes towards CAIM among published neurology authors. METHODS We conducted an anonymous online survey of authors who had published articles in neurology journals indexed in MEDLINE. We emailed potential participants our cross-sectional electronic survey after extracting their email addresses from one of their publications in our sample of journals. Basic descriptive statistics were drawn from quantitative data, and thematic content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data from any open-ended questions. RESULTS The survey was completed by 783 published neurology authors (1.7% response rate, 83.9% completion rate). Overall, respondents perceived CAIM to be promising in preventing, treating, and/or managing neurological diseases. Mind-body therapies received the most positive responses, indicated by over half of respondents cumulatively agreeing that they are promising (n = 368, 59.0%) and safe (n = 280, 50.3%). Whole medical systems and biofield therapy were less favourable. Most neurology clinicians reported a lack of formal (n = 211, 70.3%) and supplementary training (n = 158, 52.5%) on CAIM. Nearly half of clinicians did not feel comfortable counselling patients about CAIM therapies (n = 121, 44.5%), and over half did not feel comfortable recommending them (n = 161, 59.3%). A lack of scientific evidence for CAIM's safety and efficacy was reported as the greatest challenge to CAIM (n = 515, 92.5%). The majority of respondents believed there is value to conducting research on this topic (n = 461, 82.0%) and supported increasing allocation of research funding towards CAIM (n = 241, 58.9%). CONCLUSIONS Although many participants found CAIM to be promising to the field of neurology, the vast majority did not feel open to integrating CAIM into mainstream medical practices on account of a perceived lack of scientific evidence for its safety and efficacy. Future studies can use our findings to gather more detailed insights, improve educational resources on CAIM within neurology, as well as examine what effects a tailored CAIM education has on the perceptions and attitudes of published neurology authors towards CAIM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Y Ng
- Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Robert Bosch Center for Integrative Medicine and Health, Bosch Health Campus, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Y Li
- Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Robert Bosch Center for Integrative Medicine and Health, Bosch Health Campus, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Holger Cramer
- Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Robert Bosch Center for Integrative Medicine and Health, Bosch Health Campus, Stuttgart, Germany
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Gündüz Oruç F, Atan G, Şeker D. The relationship between medication adherence and complementary medicine use in epilepsy patients. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 154:109761. [PMID: 38547768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this research is to examine the usage of Complementary and Integrated Medicine (CIM) in individuals with epilepsy and the impact of CIM usage on medication adherence. MATERIALS AND METHODS This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in a university hospital in northern Turkey between July and October 2023, involving 101 individuals with epilepsy (PWE). Descriptive information forms and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-4 (MMS-4) were used as data collection tools. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and post-hoc LSD analyses were employed for data evaluation. RESULTS The participants consisted of 65.3 % males, 25.7 % were not working due to epilepsy, and 61.4 % with generalized epilepsy. The average MMS-4 score was found to be 3.08 ± 0.96. MMS-4 scores showed significant differences based on epilepsy type (F = 3.998, p = 0.021; η2 = 0.07). 76.2 % (n = 21) of the participants who used at least one CIM technique preferred "having a religious person read a prayer." CONCLUSION Medication adherence in PWE was at a moderate level. Individuals with focal and secondary generalized epilepsy showed better medication adherence compared to those with generalized types. Of those participant who used at least one CIM technique to improve their general health or control seizures, the most common was "having a religious person read a prayer."
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Gündüz Oruç
- Giresun University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Giresun, Turkey.
| | - Gülden Atan
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Van, Turkey
| | - Demet Şeker
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
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Asadi-Pooya AA, Brigo F, Lattanzi S, Blumcke I. Adult epilepsy. Lancet 2023; 402:412-424. [PMID: 37459868 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01048-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common medical condition that affects people of all ages, races, social classes, and geographical regions. Diagnosis of epilepsy remains clinical, and ancillary investigations (electroencephalography, imaging, etc) are of aid to determine the type, cause, and prognosis. Antiseizure medications represent the mainstay of epilepsy treatment: they aim to suppress seizures without adverse events, but they do not affect the underlying predisposition to generate seizures. Currently available antiseizure medications are effective in around two-thirds of patients with epilepsy. Neurosurgical resection is an effective strategy to reach seizure control in selected individuals with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Non-pharmacological treatments such as palliative surgery (eg, corpus callosotomy), neuromodulation techniques (eg, vagus nerve stimulation), and dietary interventions represent therapeutic options for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who are not suitable for resective brain surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano, Italy; Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Ingmar Blumcke
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospitals Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Charles Shor Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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On epilepsy perception: Unravelling gaps and issues. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 137:108952. [PMID: 36306590 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases, but it can sometimes be under-reported or have a time delay in diagnosis. This data is not surprising if we consider that a person often seeks medical attention only after presenting a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Epilepsy diagnostic delay is caused by several factors: under-reporting by patients, under-diagnosed epileptic manifestations by inexperienced clinicians, and lack of time in the emergency setting. The consequences of this delay are increased accidents, a high rate of premature mortality, and economic expanses for the healthcare system. Moreover, people with epilepsy have a higher probability of comorbidities than the general population, such as mood disorders or cognitive problems. Along with recurrent seizures, these comorbid diseases promote isolation and stigmatization of people with epilepsy, who suffer from discrimination at school, in the workplace, and even in social relationships. Public awareness of epilepsy and its comorbidities is necessary to prevent diagnostic delays and overcome social and professional iniquities for people with epilepsy.
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Çaksen H. Epilepsy and the Quran Recitation as a Meditation. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC EPILEPSY 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1756438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hüseyin Çaksen
- Divisions of Pediatric Neurology and Genetics, and Behavioral-Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram, Konya, Türkiye
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Asadi-Pooya AA, Trinka E, Brigo F. A new collaborative research project on cultural and social aspects of epilepsy: the "International Research in Epilepsy (IR-Epil) Consortium". Epileptic Disord 2022; 24:626-627. [PMID: 35770755 DOI: 10.1684/epd.2022.1418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Arida RM, Sales EPDN, Teixeira-Machado L, Prado GFD, Gutierre RC, Carrizosa J. Neurologists' knowledge of and attitudes toward physical exercise for people with epilepsy in Latin America. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 131:108705. [PMID: 35526463 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the favorable effects of exercise in people with epilepsy (PWE), the lower participation in physical/sports activities may be partly due to inadequate knowledge and attitudes of health professional about their benefits. In this regard, in 2016, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) through its Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy published a consensus paper that provided general guidance concerning participation in exercise/sport activities for PWE. We investigated views and attitudes toward physical exercise practice among neurologists in Latin America. METHODS A 22-item cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study among neurologists included the following: (1) profile of participating neurologists, (2) doctors' attitudes and perceptions about physical/sport activities for PWE, and (3) neurologist experience concerning patient's report about their involvement in physical/sport activities. RESULTS In total, 215 of 519 neurologists from 16 different countries returned the questionnaire. Although about one-third of neurologists had no information about the effect of exercise on epilepsy, and 60% of them did not know the published recommendations of the ILAE Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy, the majority (92.5%) advised the practice of exercise, were aware of sport activities for their patients and agreed that exercise can reduce comorbidities associated with epilepsy (X2 = 249.34; p < 0.001). Most of the neurologists did not believe that exercise is a seizure-inducing factor, but more than half would restrict their patients with uncontrolled seizures for exercise practice (X2 = 250.77; p < 0.001). Most barriers considered by PWE in the past, currently are not viewed by neurologists and their patients (X2 = 249.34; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION While this study reveals that neurologists have some knowledge gaps in attitudes toward physical exercise for PWE, encouraging attitudes were observed by neurologists. Considering that physicians can impact on patient confidence and decision, a better communication between neurologists and their patients concerning the benefits of exercise can increase PWE participation in physical/sports activities. To improve this scenario, more efforts should be made to increase the neurologists' knowledge and perceptions on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Mario Arida
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | - Jaime Carrizosa
- Pediatric Department Child Neurology Service, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Phutrakool P, Pongpirul K. Acceptance and use of complementary and alternative medicine among medical specialists: a 15-year systematic review and data synthesis. Syst Rev 2022; 11:10. [PMID: 35027078 PMCID: PMC8759198 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01882-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has gained popularity among the general population, but its acceptance and use among medical specialists have been inconclusive. This systematic review aimed to identify relevant studies and synthesize survey data on the acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases for the acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists. Each article was assessed by two screeners. Only survey studies relevant to the acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists were reviewed. The pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses. This review followed both PRISMA and SWiM guidelines. RESULTS Of 5628 articles published between 2002 and 2017, 25 fulfilled the selection criteria. Ten medical specialties were included: Internal Medicine (11 studies), Pediatrics (6 studies), Obstetrics and Gynecology (6 studies), Anesthesiology (4 studies), Surgery (3 studies), Family Medicine (3 studies), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (3 studies), Psychiatry and Neurology (2 studies), Otolaryngology (1 study), and Neurological Surgery (1 study). The overall acceptance of CAM was 52% (95%CI, 42-62%). Family Medicine reported the highest acceptance, followed by Psychiatry and Neurology, Neurological Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Anesthesiology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Internal Medicine, and Surgery. The overall use of CAM was 45% (95% CI, 37-54%). The highest use of CAM was by the Obstetrics and Gynecology, followed by Family Medicine, Psychiatry and Neurology, Pediatrics, Otolaryngology, Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Surgery. Based on the studies, meta-regression showed no statistically significant difference across geographic regions, economic levels of the country, or sampling methods. CONCLUSION Acceptance and use of CAM varied across medical specialists. CAM was accepted and used the most by Family Medicine but the least by Surgery. Findings from this systematic review could be useful for strategic harmonization of CAM and conventional medicine practice. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42019125628.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phanupong Phutrakool
- School of Global Health and Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama IV Road, Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Krit Pongpirul
- School of Global Health and Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama IV Road, Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand. .,Department of International Health and Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
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