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Hempel S, Danz M, Robinson KA, Bolshakova M, Rodriguez J, Mears A, Pham C, Yagyu S, Motala A, Tolentino D, Akbari O, Johnston J. Multiple chemical sensitivity scoping review protocol: overview of research and MCS construct. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072098. [PMID: 37739463 PMCID: PMC10533706 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) has been characterised by reported adverse responses to environmental exposures of common chemical agents (eg, perfumes, paint, cleaning products and other inhaled or ingested agents) in low doses considered non-toxic for the general population. There is currently no consensus on whether MCS can be established as a distinct disorder. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The scoping review of the literature will be guided by five questions: How is MCS defined and which diagnostic criteria have been proposed? What methods are used to report prevalence and incidence estimates of MCS? What are the characteristics of the body of scientific evidence that addresses whether MCS is a distinct disorder or syndrome? What underlying mechanisms for MCS have been proposed in the scientific literature? Which treatment and management approaches for MCS have been evaluated in empirical research studies? We will conduct a comprehensive search in 14 research databases. Citation screening will be supported by machine learning algorithms. Two independent reviewers will assess eligibility of full-text publications against prespecified criteria. Data abstraction will support concise evidence tables. A formal consultation exercise will elicit input regarding the review results and presentation. The existing research evidence will be documented in a user-friendly visualisation in the format of an evidence map. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Determined to be exempt from review (UP-22-00516). Results will be disseminated through a journal manuscript and data will be publicly accessible through an online data repository. REGISTRATION DETAILS The protocol is registered in Open Science Framework (osf.io/4a3wu).
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Hempel
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Margie Danz
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Karen A Robinson
- Division of Health Science Informatics, John Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maria Bolshakova
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jesus Rodriguez
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alanna Mears
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cindy Pham
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sachi Yagyu
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aneesa Motala
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Danica Tolentino
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Omid Akbari
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jill Johnston
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Gajebasia S, Butt S, Affleck A. Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity during the Covid-19 pandemic: a patient's perspective. Clin Exp Dermatol 2022; 47:963-964. [PMID: 35019158 DOI: 10.1111/ced.15098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sareena Gajebasia
- Department of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside, James Arrott Drive, Dundee, DD1 9SY
| | - Sanaa Butt
- Department of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside, James Arrott Drive, Dundee, DD1 9SY
| | - Aandrew Affleck
- Department of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside, James Arrott Drive, Dundee, DD1 9SY
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Boyce L, Harun A, Prybutok G, Prybutok VR. Exploring the factors in information seeking behavior: a perspective from multinational COPD online forums. Health Promot Int 2021; 37:6323655. [PMID: 34293130 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This research establishes a theoretical framework for evaluating antecedents of the information seeking behaviors of online forum participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We evaluated the proposed framework using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) after gathering data using a cross-sectional survey. We subsequently assessed the framework using importance-performance map analysis (IPMA). Findings suggest that perceived ease of use does not singularly influence COPD forum users' information seeking behavior. IPMA analysis reveals that the opportunity to interact with other forum members creates the greatest impact on COPD forum users' mindsets, among all the indicators. For healthcare professionals, the results of this study provide a blueprint in terms of utilizing COPD online forums to foster recurrent associations among forum administrators and users and by creating a strong social and informational resource for COPD information seekers.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeAnn Boyce
- Department of Information Science, College of Information, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Ahasan Harun
- Department of Information Systems, Robert C. Vackar College of Business, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA
| | - Gayle Prybutok
- Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, College of Health and Public Service, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Victor R Prybutok
- Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences, G. Brint Ryan College of Business, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
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Schermuly AC, Petersen A, Anderson A. ‘I’m not an activist!’: digital self-advocacy in online patient communities. CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2020.1841116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alan Petersen
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Alison Anderson
- School of Law, Criminology & Government, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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Harter K, Hammel G, Fleming M, Traidl-Hoffmann C. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) - a guide for dermatologists on how to manage affected individuals. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2020; 18:119-130. [PMID: 32026633 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a condition characterized by a subjectively perceived increase in sensitivity to environmental chemicals. Individuals affected report a wide variety of nonspecific complaints, and frequently attribute cutaneous and mucosal symptoms to chemical exposures. Dermatologists should therefore be familiar with this condition. MCS is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other causes for the patients' symptoms should be ruled out by routine laboratory tests, allergy tests and, if indicated, monitoring for toxic (environmental) substances. The primary job of dermatologists is to rule out skin diseases or hypersensitivities as possible causes of the complaints. Interdisciplinary patient management is essential, especially in severe cases in which those affected have problems coping with everyday life. Relevant specialties in this context include environmental medicine, psychosomatic medicine as well as occupational and social medicine. Cutaneous symptoms are usually addressed with symptomatic treatment using basic skin care products. There are currently no evidence-based treatment recommendations for MCS. It is crucial that MCS patients be protected from unnecessary treatments and thus from mental, social and financial strain. In addition to medical skills, managing MCS patients requires communicative and psychosocial competence in particular. Physicians involved in the treatment will benefit from training in psychotherapy. Irrespective of the mechanisms that lead to MCS, diagnosis and treatment of this condition require an actively supportive attitude towards these patients, a good doctor-patient relationship and interdisciplinary cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Harter
- Chair and Institute of Environmental Medicine, UNIKA-T, Medical Faculty of the Technical University Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Augsburg, Germany.,Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland
| | - Gertrud Hammel
- Chair and Institute of Environmental Medicine, UNIKA-T, Medical Faculty of the Technical University Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Augsburg, Germany.,Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland
| | - Megan Fleming
- Chair and Institute of Environmental Medicine, UNIKA-T, Medical Faculty of the Technical University Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Augsburg, Germany.,Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland.,Outpatient Clinic for Environmental Medicine at Augsburg University Medical Center, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann
- Chair and Institute of Environmental Medicine, UNIKA-T, Medical Faculty of the Technical University Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Augsburg, Germany.,Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland.,Outpatient Clinic for Environmental Medicine at Augsburg University Medical Center, Augsburg, Germany
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Harter K, Hammel G, Fleming M, Traidl-Hoffmann C. Multiple Chemikaliensensibilität (MCS) – Ein Leitfaden für die Dermatologie zum Umgang mit den Betroffenen. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2020; 18:119-131. [PMID: 32026641 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14027_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Harter
- Lehrstuhl und Institut für Umweltmedizin, UNIKA-T, Medizinische Fakultät der Technischen Universität München und Helmholtzzentrum München, Augsburg, Deutschland.,Christine-Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Schweiz.,Professur für Soziologie mit Schwerpunkt Gesundheitsforschung, Philosophisch-Sozialwissenschaftliche Fakultät, Universität Augsburg, Augsburg, Deutschland
| | - Gertrud Hammel
- Lehrstuhl und Institut für Umweltmedizin, UNIKA-T, Medizinische Fakultät der Technischen Universität München und Helmholtzzentrum München, Augsburg, Deutschland.,Christine-Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Schweiz
| | - Megan Fleming
- Lehrstuhl und Institut für Umweltmedizin, UNIKA-T, Medizinische Fakultät der Technischen Universität München und Helmholtzzentrum München, Augsburg, Deutschland.,Christine-Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Schweiz.,Hochschulambulanz für Umweltmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Deutschland
| | - Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann
- Lehrstuhl und Institut für Umweltmedizin, UNIKA-T, Medizinische Fakultät der Technischen Universität München und Helmholtzzentrum München, Augsburg, Deutschland.,Christine-Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Schweiz.,Hochschulambulanz für Umweltmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Deutschland
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Briones-Vozmediano E, Espinar-Ruiz E. How do women suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity experience the medical encounter? a qualitative study in Spain. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 43:1110-1120. [PMID: 31407924 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1650297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a condition principally suffered by women. As with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is usually included among the so called "contested illnesses", defined as illnesses whose cause, diagnosis, prevalence and even existence are subject to controversy. This article seeks to explore how women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity experience this contested illness, through their own descriptions of diagnostic processes, search for treatment and encounters with different health professionals. We aim to observe these experiences in detail and to identify aspects that could improve care for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity sufferers. METHOD Qualitative design. We performed personal in-depth interviews, which were recorded and transcribed to conduct a qualitative content analysis supported by Atlas.ti-7. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS 22 women diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Spain. RESULTS Two main categories were identified in the interviews: (1) unavoidable barriers: patients' exposure to chemicals and the absence of treatment, and (2) Skepticism on the part of care providers and lack of recognition in the process of diagnosis. CONCLUSION Training and above all awareness raising strategies are needed to address health professionals' prejudices regarding the existence of contested illnesses such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. These prejudices hinder diagnosis and medical follow-up, and add negative emotions to the physical limitations already suffered by patients.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Multiple Chemical SensitivityIt is important to promote a compassionate and empathetic attitude among health providers, in order to avoid rejection and delegitimization of the experiences of women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.Multiple Chemical Sensitivity protocols should be developed and implemented to give skills to health professionals to assist patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.These protocols should include avoidance of exposure to chemicals present in healthcare facilities.Training programs for health providers should include not only knowledge, but awareness raising about the characteristics and severity of contested illnesses such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.Health providers should avoid stigmatizing patients by psychologizing their symptoms and be aware of the existence of stereotypes regarding women suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Espinar-Ruiz
- Department of Sociology II, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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