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Khosla N, Hahn L, Tran C. US South Asian Youths' Perspectives on the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:2044-2054. [PMID: 37368189 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01672-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) includes varied medical and healthcare systems, healing practices, and products that are outside of allopathy/biomedicine. The aim of this study was to examine US South Asian youths' beliefs, practices, decision-making, and experiences of using CAM. Ten focus group discussions with 36 participants were conducted. Data were coded deductively and inductively by four coders, working in pairs. Thematic analysis was performed. Disagreements were resolved through consensus. The results showed that CAM was appealing because of its often low cost, ease of access, family traditions to use CAM, and the perception that it was safe to use. Participants exercised pluralistic health choices. Some responses suggested a hierarchy wherein allopathy was used for serious, acute issues, and CAM for much of the remaining issues. The high use of and trust in CAM among young US South Asians raises important issues (e.g., provider support and integration to prevent potential interactions and avoid delaying allopathic treatment). More exploration is needed about the decision-making processes of US South Asian youth, including the perceived benefits/limitations of allopathy and CAM. US healthcare practitioners should familiarize themselves with South Asian social and cultural beliefs about healing to provide culturally-appropriate services and enhance patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Khosla
- Department of Public Health, California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA.
| | - Lindsay Hahn
- Department of Public Health, California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA
| | - Christine Tran
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Sunderaraman P, Irani F, Krishnan K, Hundal JS. A narrative review of the biopsychosocial and health characteristics of Asian Indians in the United States: Clinical and research implications for neuropsychological functioning. Clin Neuropsychol 2021:1-19. [PMID: 34818985 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2021.1987524] [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: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The prevailing scientific literature aggregates Asians living in America into one omnibus category and thus can problematically result in a subpar and at times inaccurate understanding of health, social and cultural factors necessary for competent and informed medical care. Method: A literature search was conducted by cultural experts familiar with Asian Indian culture with a focus on immigrants from this community living in the US. Database using search engines was sought in the following domains: immigration patterns, prevalence for key medical and neurological conditions commonly associated with cognitive dysfunction, psychiatric/psychological needs in the community, some preliminary neuropsychological testing considerations while working with this community, and treatment considerations that could affect adherence and efficacy of outcomes. Articles were selected from 2000 to the most recent date, with emphasis on compiling information from review papers and meta-analysis from the past decade. Conclusions: Asian Indians living in the US are distinct from the larger Asian American community. Immigration trends underscore that Asian Indians have a bimodal distribution of wealth. Regarding medical conditions, a key and highly concerning finding is the higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, especially in young males. The lack of non-existent cognitive data in this community is glaring and should serve as an impetus for conducting high-priority research in this community. Preliminary neuropsychological testing considerations are discussed from a practical perspective with emphasis on multilingualism and region of origin. Finally, treatment considerations include understanding attitudes and beliefs regarding traditional medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sunderaraman
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division of the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, G.H.Sergeivsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,The Framingham Heart Study - Brain Aging Program, 73 Mount Wayte Avenue, Framingham, MA, USA
| | | | - Kamini Krishnan
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jasdeep S Hundal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Felicilda-Reynaldo RFD, Choi SY, Driscoll SD, Albright CL. A National Survey of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for Treatment Among Asian-Americans. J Immigr Minor Health 2020; 22:762-770. [PMID: 31583560 PMCID: PMC7117985 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-019-00936-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Asian Americans (AAs) are more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) compared to other race/ethnicities, yet previous studies have conflicting results. The 2012 National Health Interview Survey data was analyzed to investigate AA's (n = 2214) CAM use for treatment. AAs were divided into four subgroups: Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, and Other Asian. Only 9% of AAs reported using CAM for treatment, with 6% indicating CAM use specifically for chronic conditions. This could be a form of medical pluralism, a mixture of Eastern and Western health approaches. The "Other Asian" subgroup reported highest use of CAM for treatment. Significant predictors included age (≥ 65 years) and high educational attainment (≥ college degree). Sociodemographic factors were also significant predictors within Asian subgroups. Further investigation of this and other forms of medical pluralism among AAs are needed to explore potential cofounders and risks like underreporting, CAM schedules/dosages, cultural influences, and CAM's impact on one's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhea Faye D Felicilda-Reynaldo
- School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster 402, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - So Yung Choi
- Biostatistics Core, Department of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Susan D Driscoll
- School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster 402, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Cheryl L Albright
- Office of Public Health Studies, Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Singh C, Crawford K, Willey S, Hall H, Harder K, Plummer V, Williams A. Medication adherence among people of Indian ethnicity living with chronic disease following migration to Australia. Collegian 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Felicilda-Reynaldo RF, Choi S. U.S. Filipino Adults' Patterns of CAM Use and Medical Pluralism: Secondary Analysis of 2012 National Health Interview Survey. Asian Pac Isl Nurs J 2018; 3:93-104. [PMID: 31037259 PMCID: PMC6482519 DOI: 10.31372/20180303.1003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The cultural health beliefs of the Filipino population and colonial history of medicine in the Philippines could mean high use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) and increased engagement in medical pluralism (i.e., combined use of conventional medicine and CAM) among the U.S. Filipino population, the fourth largest immigrant group in the United States. However, there is limited research regarding U.S. Filipinos’ health behaviors related to CAM use and medical pluralism engagement. The purpose of this study was to explore patterns of CAM use and medical pluralism practices of Filipino adults living in the United States. Data from Filipino adult respondents of the 2012 National Health Interview Survey adult CAM supplement were analyzed to determine most common CAM used, most common conditions for which CAM was used as a treatment, reasons for using CAM for treatment of health conditions, and sources of recommendations for CAM as a treatment in this population. Dietary supplements were the most common CAM used by Filipino adults living in the United States. A small number of U.S. Filipino adults reported using CAM to treat pain-related and cardiovascular conditions, with the most common source of recommendations coming from friends and family members. Most common reasons for using CAM for treatment of health condition were: CAM is natural; CAM had a holistic approach, and CAM could be taken/practiced independently. Based on the findings of the study, Filipino adults living in the United States engage in a pluralistic approach to health by using CAM for treatment of health conditions. Analysis of the 2012 NHIS adult CAM supplement provided an overview of Filipino adults’ patterns of CAM use and medical pluralism; however, future research is still needed to explain such health behavior patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soyung Choi
- University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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Misra R, Balagopal P, Raj S, Patel TG. Vegetarian Diet and Cardiometabolic Risk among Asian Indians in the United States. J Diabetes Res 2018; 2018:1675369. [PMID: 29670913 PMCID: PMC5835256 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1675369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Research studies have shown that plant-based diets confer cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits. Asian Indians (AIs) in the US (who have often followed plant-based diets) have elevated risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity suggesting ethnic vulnerability that imply genetic and/or lifestyle causative links. This study explored the association between this ethnic group and diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome after controlling for demographics, acculturation, family history of diabetes, and lifestyle and clinical risk factors. The sample comprised of 1038 randomly selected adult AIs in seven US sites. Prevalence and metabolic syndrome was estimated, and obesity was calculated using the WHO Asian criteria. Multivariate analysis included multinomial logistic regression. The mean age and length of residency in the US were 47 and 18.5 years, respectively. The majority of respondents were vegetarians (62%) and educated. A vegetarian lifestyle was associated with females, food label users, respondents with poor/fair current health status, less acculturated, and those who reported their diet had not changed after coming to the US. Vegetarian status was a protective factor and lowered the risk for diabetes but not for metabolic syndrome and obesity in the regression model. Results provide a firm basis for educational programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjita Misra
- WVU Public Health Training Center, 3313A, Robert C. Byrd Health Science Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-9190, USA
| | - Padmini Balagopal
- Clinical Nutritionist, Early Intervention, 1901 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
| | - Sudha Raj
- Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition, 562 Falk College, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Thakor G. Patel
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Wang SC, Iwamasa GY. Indigenous Healing Practices and Asian Immigrant Women. WOMEN & THERAPY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/02703149.2017.1330917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sherry C. Wang
- Department of Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California
| | - Gayle Y. Iwamasa
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Central Office, Office of Mental Health Operations, Washington, D.C
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Misra R, Hunte H. Perceived discrimination and health outcomes among Asian Indians in the United States. BMC Health Serv Res 2016; 16:567. [PMID: 27729045 PMCID: PMC5059992 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1821-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Perceived interpersonal discrimination while seeking healthcare services is associated with poor physical and mental health. Yet, there is a paucity of research among Asian Americans or its subgroups. This study examined the correlates of reported interpersonal discrimination when seeking health care among a large sample of Asian Indians, the 3rd largest Asian American subgroup in the US, and identify predictors of adverse self-rated physical health, a well-accepted measure of overall health status. Methods Cross-sectional survey. Participants comprised of 1824 Asian Indian adults in six states with higher concentration of Asian Indians. Results Mean age and years lived in the US was 45.7 ± 12.8 and 16.6 ± 11.1 years respectively. The majority of the respondents was male, immigrants, college graduates, and had access to care. Perceived interpersonal discrimination when seeking health care was reported by a relatively small proportion of the population (7.2 %). However, Asian Indians who reported poor self-rated health were approximately twice as likely to perceived discrimination when seeking care as compared to those in good or excellent health status (OR 1.88; 95 % CI 1.12–3.14). Poor self-rated health was associated with perceived health care discrimination after controlling for all of the respondent characteristics (OR 1.93; 95 % CI: 1.17–3.19). In addition, Asian Indians who lived for more than 10 years in the U.S. (OR 3.28; 95 % CI: 1.73–6.22) and had chronic illnesses (OR 1.39; 95 % CI: 1.17–1.64) (p < 0.05) were more likely to perceive discrimination when seeking health care. However, older Asian Indians, over the age of 55 years, were less likely to perceive discrimination than those aged 18–34 years Indian American. Conclusion Results offers initial support for the hypothesis that Asian Indians experience interpersonal discrimination when seeking health care services and that these experiences may be related to poor self-rated health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjita Misra
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, West Virginia Univeristy, 1 Medical Center Drive, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506-9190, USA.
| | - Haslyn Hunte
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, West Virginia Univeristy, 1 Medical Center Drive, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506-9190, USA
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Lor KB, Moua S, Ip EJ. Frequency and Perceptions of Herbal Medicine use Among Hmong Americans: a Cross Sectional Survey. J Immigr Minor Health 2015; 18:397-401. [DOI: 10.1007/s10903-015-0190-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Mani J, Juengel E, Arslan I, Bartsch G, Filmann N, Ackermann H, Nelson K, Haferkamp A, Engl T, Blaheta RA. Use of complementary and alternative medicine before and after organ removal due to urologic cancer. Patient Prefer Adherence 2015; 9:1407-12. [PMID: 26491269 PMCID: PMC4599187 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s90061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as primary treatment or symptom relief for a variety of illnesses. This study was designed to investigate the influence of surgical removal of a tumor-bearing urogenital organ on CAM use. METHODS From 2007 to 2011, 350 patients underwent major urological surgery for kidney, prostate, or bladder cancer at the Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany. Data from 172 patients (49%), who returned a questionnaire, were retrospectively evaluated using the hospital information system along with the questionnaire to objectify CAM use 2 years before and after surgery. RESULTS From the 172 patients returning questionnaires, 56 (33%) used CAM before and/or after surgery and 116 (67%) never used CAM. Of the 56 CAM users, 30 (54%) used CAM presurgery and 53 (95%) used CAM postsurgery, indicating a significant change of mind about CAM use. Patients of German nationality used CAM significantly more than patients of other nationalities. Higher educational status (high-school diploma or higher) was a significant factor in favor of CAM use. The most common type of CAM used before/after surgery was an alternative medical system (63/49%), a manipulative and body-based method (50/19%), and a biological-based therapy (37/32%). Information about CAM, either provided by medical professionals or by other sources, was the main reason determining whether patients used CAM or not. CONCLUSION The number of patients using CAM almost doubled after surgical removal of a cancer-bearing organ. Better awareness and understanding of CAM use by medical professionals could improve patient counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Mani
- Department of Urology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Correspondence: Jens Mani, Department of Urology, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany, Tel +49 69 6301 7109, Fax +49 69 6301 7108, Email
| | - Eva Juengel
- Department of Urology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ilhan Arslan
- Department of Urology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Georg Bartsch
- Department of Urology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Natalie Filmann
- Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hanns Ackermann
- Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Karen Nelson
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Axel Haferkamp
- Department of Urology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tobias Engl
- Department of Urology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Roman A Blaheta
- Department of Urology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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De Gagne JC, Oh J, So A, Haidermota M, Lee SY. A Mixed Methods Study of Health Care Experience Among Asian Indians in the Southeastern United States. J Transcult Nurs 2014; 26:354-64. [PMID: 24803531 DOI: 10.1177/1043659614526247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study explored health care experiences among Asian Indian immigrants living in the Southeastern United States. DESIGN AND METHOD A concurrent triangulation mixed methods design was used with a purposive sample of 125 Asian Indian immigrants aged between 40 and 64 years in the survey and 10 participants in the focus group. RESULTS The majority of the participants had health insurance and higher socioeconomic status. They had a moderate level of knowledge on the U.S. health care system and health insurance while presenting moderate satisfaction with the system. Barriers to health care services and needs in the health care system were identified from both quantitative and qualitative data. Some of the barriers were high costs, dissatisfaction with services, and inconvenience in accessing services. Participants called for self-management and community-based health programs as well as culturally tailored health care services. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Findings congruent with prior studies further support the importance of comprehending Asian Indians' unique cultural background and experiences in the health care system. This study can be the foundation for culturally competent care to advance the body of transcultural nursing knowledge. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Culturally congruent community-based health care programs are needed to provide better care for the ethnic minority to maintain and promote their health status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jina Oh
- Inje University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Aeyoung So
- Gangneung-Wonju National University, Wonju, South Korea
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Asking patients the right questions about herbal and dietary supplements: Cross cultural perspectives. Complement Ther Med 2014; 22:304-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 01/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Fernandez R, Rolley JX, Rajaratnam R, Sundar S, Patel NC, Davidson PM. Risk factors for coronary heart disease among Asian Indians living in Australia. J Transcult Nurs 2014; 26:57-63. [PMID: 24692337 DOI: 10.1177/1043659614523996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the coronary heart disease risk factors in the Asian Indian community living in a large city in Australia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Australia India Friendship Fair in 2010. All people of Asian Indian descent who attended the Fair and visited the health promotion stall were eligible to participate in the study if they self-identified as of Asian Indian origin, were aged between 18 and 80 years, and were able to speak English. Blood pressure, blood glucose, waist circumference, height, and weight were measured by a health professional. Smoking, cholesterol levels, and physical activity status were obtained through self-reports. Data were analyzed for 169 participants. More than a third of the participants under the age of 65 years had high blood pressure. Prevalence of diabetes (16%) and obesity (61%) was significantly higher compared with the national average. Ten women identified themselves as smokers. Physical activity patterns were similar to that of the wider Australian population. The study has provided a platform for raising awareness among nurses and promoting advocacy on the cardiovascular risk among Asian Indians. Strategies involving Asian Indian nurses and other Asian Indian health professionals as well as support from the private and public sectors can assist in the reduction of the coronary heart disease risk factors among this extremely susceptible population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritin Fernandez
- University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia St George Hospital, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John X Rolley
- School of Nursing and Midwifery Deakin University Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rohan Rajaratnam
- University of Western Sydney, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia University of NSW New South Wales, Australia Liverpool Hospital New South Wales, Australia Campbelltown Hospital New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Navin C Patel
- Fairfield District Medical Centre, Fairfield Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patricia M Davidson
- University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Johns Hopkins University Baltimore
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Graham ME, Brake MK, Taylor SM, Flowerdew G, Hong P. Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients presenting to a pediatric otolaryngology clinic. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 77:721-5. [PMID: 23433921 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2013.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to quantify and characterize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients presenting to a pediatric otolaryngology clinic with the aim of increasing CAM use awareness for the practicing pediatric otolaryngologist. METHODS Four hundred thirty-four caregivers of patients presenting to a pediatric otolaryngology clinic were surveyed regarding their child's use of CAMs. Demographic information, perceived benefits, and sources of information regarding CAM was collected. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess strength of associations. RESULTS Three-hundred and sixty-four caregivers completed the survey (83.9% response rate). The children of 69% of respondents had utilized CAM, and 46% were using CAM at the time of the survey. Higher income and chronic illness in the child were significant predictors of CAM use. The children of older and married parents were more likely to have utilized CAM (non-significant). The most common agents were multivitamins (43%) and vitamin D (32%). Parents whose children used more CAMs were more likely to perceive a benefit. CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of pediatric otolaryngology patients utilized CAM in our study population. The most commonly used agents are mostly benign, but others may have more unknown consequences. It is crucial that otolaryngologists ask specifically about these agents, as they potentially interact with prescription medications and some may lead to surgical complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Elise Graham
- IWK Health Centre, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Miller MC. Complementary and integrative treatments: expanding the continuum of care. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2013; 46:261-76. [PMID: 23764808 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This article is an introduction to the concepts of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine. It discusses the scope and prevalence of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) use among otolaryngology patients. Specific types of CIM are characterized in the context of their origins, philosophic and historical bases, scientific evidence, and applicability to the practice of otolaryngology. The author's intent is to provide a framework for discussing CIM with patients and integrating it into treatment paradigms in an evidence-based manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Miller
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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