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Hoosen M, Roman NV, Mthembu TG, Naseer M. Unani Tibb practitioners' perceptions and attitudes towards spirituality and spiritual care in Unani Tibb practice in South Africa. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:189. [PMID: 37296450 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04002-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unani Tibb is an Arabic term which means Greek medicine. It is an ancient holistic medical system based on the healing theories of Hippocrates, Galen and Ibn Sina (Avicenna). Despite this, spirituality and spiritual care practices are deficient in the clinical setting. METHODS This cross-sectional descriptive study was used to describe Unani Tibb practitioners' perceptions and attitudes regarding spirituality and spiritual care in South Africa. A demographic form, Spiritual Care-Giving Scale, Spiritual and Spiritual Care Rating Scale and Spirituality in Unani Tibb Scale were used to collect data. RESULTS A response rate of 64.7% (n = 44 out of 68) was achieved. Positive perceptions and attitudes regarding spirituality and spiritual care were recorded for Unani Tibb practitioners. The spiritual needs of their patients were considered vital towards enhancing the Unani Tibb treatment approach. Spirituality and spiritual care were regarded as fundamental to Unani Tibb therapy. However, most practitioners agreed that adequate training in spirituality and spiritual care was lacking and future training initiatives were imperative for Unani Tibb clinical practice in South Africa. CONCLUSION The findings of this study recommends further research in this field by means of qualitative and mixed methods approaches to provide a deeper understanding to this phenomenon. Clear guidelines on spirituality and spiritual care for Unani Tibb clinical practice are essential to ensure the integrity of the holistic approach required by the profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujeeb Hoosen
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, The University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
| | - Nicolette Vanessa Roman
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Family and Society, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, The University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Thuli Godfrey Mthembu
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Mursaleen Naseer
- Department of Moalejat, Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, Faculty of Unani Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
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Hoosen M, Roman NV, Mthembu TG. The Development of Guidelines for the Inclusion of Spirituality and Spiritual Care in Unani Tibb Practice in South Africa: A Study Protocol. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:1261-1281. [PMID: 33108598 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-020-01105-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Unani Tibb is a holistic form of medicine, which highlights the interconnectedness of mind, body and soul. Despite this, there is very little evidence of spiritual care practices by Unani Tibb practitioners in South Africa. This protocol outlines a proposed process for developing guidelines to integrate spirituality and spiritual care in Unani Tibb practice. In phase one, a document review will be conducted on spirituality and spiritual care in complementary and alternative medicine and Unani Tibb. A series of quantitative and qualitative enquiries will follow to obtain the perspectives of various stakeholders in the Unani Tibb profession. Phase two will rely on the findings of phase I to develop guidelines according to the Delphi method. Experts in the relevant fields will be soliciting their opinions on the nature and content of the proposed guidelines. The data will be analysed using descriptive statistical analyses, thematic analysis and narrative synthesis. Ethics clearance has been obtained from the ethics committee of the university.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujeeb Hoosen
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, The University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
| | - Nicolette Vanessa Roman
- The Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Family and Society, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, The University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Thuli Godfrey Mthembu
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Keinki C, Meyer H, Bozkurt G, Müller N, Römelt J, Müller UA, Hübner J. Salvation Expectations of Patients of Medicine, Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Religion. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:601-615. [PMID: 32948977 PMCID: PMC8837522 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-020-01074-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Health and holistic quality of life, physical and emotional needs, somatic and spiritual aspects contain a comprehensive promise of healing. The aim of the current study is to measure the expectations of patients of medicine, alternative medicine and religion related to health and illness. The survey was carried out among 103 patients of a rural general practitioner from May to June 2013 and among 103 patients of the outpatient department for endocrinology and metabolic disease of the Jena University Hospital in 2013. All patients were asked by one interviewer (HM) on fears in relation to health/illness and expectations of help for its own life, medicine, alternative medicine and religion. The biggest fear of patients is "being in need of help of others." There is no significant difference between religious and non-religious patients. Overall, the expectations of medicine were significantly higher in all sectors than in alternative medicine or religion. Comparing alternative medicine and religion, the expectations of alternative medicine were significantly higher excluding consolation and inner peace. The expectations for medicine in general and for the physician are very high and comprehensive and go beyond diagnosis and realization of therapies. Patients expect hope, guidance, support, comfort, inner peace and advice most from medicine. This results in considerable challenges for the physician, especially in a healthcare system with limited resources and without suitable offers. There is an urgent need to integrate these requirements into daily routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Keinki
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
| | - Herbert Meyer
- Department Ethics and Moral Philosophy, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Gültekin Bozkurt
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Nicolle Müller
- FB Endocrinology, Department Internal Medicine III, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Josef Römelt
- Department Ethics and Moral Philosophy, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Ulrich Alfons Müller
- Practice for Endocrinology and Diabetology, Centre for Ambulatory Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Jutta Hübner
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
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Arentz S, Hunter J, Deed G. Integrating Traditional and Complementary Medicine Recommendations into Clinical Practice Guidelines for People with Diabetes in Need of Palliative and End-of-Life Care: A Scoping Review. J Altern Complement Med 2020; 26:571-591. [PMID: 32673080 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study was conducted before an evidence review on Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) to update the clinical practice guidelines (CPGs): "Deciding palliative and end-of-life (P/EoL) care for people with diabetes." The aim was to frame the PICO (population/problems, interventions/comparisons, and outcomes), ascertain their importance, and identify other modifying factors for grading recommendations. Design: A systematic scoping review mapped information about diabetes P/EoL problems and outcomes, TCM use, provision, benefits and risks, and stakeholder preferences and values. Thirteen electronic databases were searched in 2017/18 until no new information was identified. Relevant data were extracted, rated for quality, directness, and relevance, and synthesized using triangulation methods. Excluded was diabetes prevention or treatment, as this is not an important P/EoL problem. Results: Of the 228 included articles, except for diabetes P/EoL problems, insufficient direct evidence led to data being extrapolated from either adults with diabetes or any P/EoL diagnosis. The findings affirmed that caring for people with diabetes in need of P/EoL care is complex due to multiple fluctuating needs that are influenced by the P/EoL trajectories (stable, unstable, deteriorating, terminal, or bereaved), multimorbidity, and difficult-to-manage chronic and acute problems. The only problem specific to diabetes P/EoL care, was unstable glycemia. Over 50 TCM interventions commonly used by patients and/or provided by services were identified, of which, many might simultaneously address multiple problems and 18 had been appraised in systematic reviews. Physical and psychologic symptom reliefs were most often evaluated; however, these were only one aspect of a "good death." Other important outcomes were the quality and location of care, personal agency, relationships, preparations for the dying process, spirituality, and affirmation of the whole person. Other important modifying factors included opportunity costs, affordability, availability, preferences, cultural appropriateness, and alignment with beliefs about the meaning of illness and death. Conclusions: There is a role for TCM in the multidisciplinary holistic P/EoL care of people with diabetes. Due to the paucity of evidence specific to this population, the generalizability of some of these results is broader and the updated CPG will also need to consider indirect evidence from other patient groups. Along with recommendations about indications for TCM use, the CGP should provide guidance on ceasing unnecessary interventions, reducing polypharmacy and managing unstable glycemia is required. Before ceasing a TCM, a broader risk-benefit analysis is recommended, as unlike many conventional therapies, there may be multiple benefits warranting its continuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Arentz
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Jennifer Hunter
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Gary Deed
- Metabolism Ageing Genomics, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Heller T, Kloos C, Mueller N, Roemelt J, Keinki C, Wolf G, Mueller UA, Huebner J. Complementary and alternative medicine is positively associated with religiousness/spirituality. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 18:185-192. [PMID: 32562532 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2018-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used often by patients with different diseases. While some authors subsume religiousness and spirituality to CAM, others do not. The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence and types of CAM usage as well as the participants' spirituality/religiousness in an outpatient department for endocrinology and metabolic diseases. METHODS All individuals visiting the outpatient department at a German university hospital from April to June 2009 were offered a standardized questionnaire on the use of dietary supplements and alternative therapies as well as their religiousness/spirituality. Demographic and clinical data of 428 respondents were taken from the electronic health record. RESULTS Of the respondents, 16.4% (n = 66) classified themselves to be religious/spiritual and 67.9% (n = 273) as not religious/spiritual. Women were more religious/spiritual than men (p = 0.02). 41.4% of the respondents used supplements and 27.4% additional therapies. The use of supplements and additional therapies was more frequent in people with higher religiousness/spirituality (p = 0.005 and p = 0.01,resp.) but there were no associations between religiousness/spirituality and the number of consultations, costs for drugs, appraisal of the physicians treatment methods, the perceived effectiveness of prescribed drugs, fear of late complications or of side effects. CONCLUSIONS A higher religiousness/spirituality is associated with a more frequent use of supplements or additional therapies in individuals with endocrinopathies or metabolic diseases. As CAM has been shown to be associated with worse outcome, addressing religiousness/spirituality which stresses the responsibility of the person for his life might offer an additional resource and should be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabitha Heller
- Department Internal Medicine III, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Christof Kloos
- Department Internal Medicine III, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Nicolle Mueller
- Department Internal Medicine III, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Josef Roemelt
- Department Moral Theology and Ethics, Faculty of Catholic Theology, Erfurt University, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Christian Keinki
- Department Internal Medicine II, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, Jena, 07747, Germany
| | - Gunter Wolf
- Department Internal Medicine III, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Jutta Huebner
- Department Internal Medicine II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Kuşaslan Avcı D. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Diabetic Patients and Awareness and Attitudes of Their Physicians. ANKARA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.17098/amj.339327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Simolka S, Schnepp W. SUBJECTIVE PERSPECTIVES OF DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG IMMIGRANTS IN THE FORMER SOVIET UNION. CENTRAL EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY 2017. [DOI: 10.15452/cejnm.2017.08.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Gale N. The Sociology of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine. SOCIOLOGY COMPASS 2014; 8:805-822. [PMID: 25177359 PMCID: PMC4146620 DOI: 10.1111/soc4.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and traditional medicine (TM) are important social phenomena. This article reviews the sociological literature on the topic. First, it addresses the question of terminology, arguing that the naming process is a glimpse into the complexities of power and history that characterize the field. Second, focusing on the last 15 years of scholarship, it considers how sociological research on users and practitioners of TM/CAM has developed in that time. Third, it addresses two newer strands of work termed here the 'big picture' and the 'big question'. The big picture includes concepts that offer interpretation of what is happening at a societal level to constrain and enable observed patterns of social practice (pluralism, integration, hybridity and activism). The big question, 'Does it work?', is one of epistemology and focuses on two developing fields of critical enquiry - first, social critiques of medical science knowledge production and, second, attempts to explain the nature of interventions, i.e. how they work. Finally, the article examines the role of sociology moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Gale
- *Correspondence address: Nicola Gale, Health Services Management Centre, School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. E-mail:
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Mackereth P, Parekh J, Donald G. Providing therapies to the opposite sex: views of complementary therapists working in clinical and private practice settings. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2012; 18:154-8. [PMID: 22789790 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM The study explored the experiences of working with the opposite sex as a therapists in a cancer care centre (CCC). METHODOLOGY Therapists (n = 17) participated in three focus groups. Audiotapes were transcribed verbatim and analysed. RESULTS Themes and sub-themes were identified; these related to maintaining safety, the relevance of location to how safe therapists felt when working with men, the therapeutic relationship, safety precautions and being vigilant. LIMITATIONS The participants were from one cancer care centre in the North West of England. Only two males participated. CONCLUSION This exploratory study identified that the majority of the participants in this study had concerns about safety related to the gender or sex of their patient or client. This was more of an issue in private practice with concerns centred on inappropriate sexual responses from male clients. This has implications for training and safety in establishing and maintaining a practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Mackereth
- Supportive Care & Smoking Cessation Team, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 4BX, UK.
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