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Sekagya YHK, Muchunguzi C, Unnikrishnan P, Mulogo EM. An exploratory study on becoming a traditional spiritual healer among Baganda in Central Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002581. [PMID: 38662715 PMCID: PMC11045116 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Traditional medicinal knowledge and healing practices of indigenous spiritual healers play important roles in health care, and contribute towards achieving Universal Health Care. Traditional spiritual healers (TSHs) are grouped into three categories. One category of Baganda TSHs, Balubaale, engage ancestral spirits during health management. Balubaale are socially significant but not legally accepted. Their initiation and training practices have not been documented in Uganda. The study purpose was to understand and establish the training of traditional spiritual healers. Twelve (10M, 2F); practicing TSHs in Central Uganda were purposively selected and recruited between 15th July 2019 and 29th April 2020, and were prospectively interacted with for 24 months. Transcribed data was coded and thematically analyzed using ATLAS ti. 22 computer software and presented based on an inductive approach. Findings show key areas of TSHs training include connecting with ancestral spirits and the spiritual powers of non-materials and materials such as living and non-living things through rituals. Spiritual healers train in diagnosis and health management based on ancestral spirits and they finally pass out in a communal ceremony witnessed by family and community members. We conclude that TSHs undergo training and are supervised and supported by experienced spiritualists, family and the community. We recommend similar studies among other ethnic groups to contextualize the process of becoming a TSH, compare and harmonize findings to facilitate inter-medical systems communication and policy considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahaya H. K. Sekagya
- Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Research and Training Department, Dr. Sekagya Institute of Traditional Medicine, Uganda
| | - Charles Muchunguzi
- Department of Environment and Livelihoods Support Systems, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Edgar M. Mulogo
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Ashrafizadeh H, Rassouli M. Traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine in cancer care: Challenges and opportunities. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2024; 11:100321. [PMID: 38111680 PMCID: PMC10727935 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hadis Ashrafizadeh
- School of Nursing, Student Research Committee, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Maryam Rassouli
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Thomson-Casey C, Adams J, McIntyre E. The engagement of psychology with complementary medicine: A critical integrative review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21201. [PMID: 37928398 PMCID: PMC10622697 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amidst the global rise in complementary medicine (CM) use for mental health, a substantial number of clients consulting a psychologist also utilise at least one form of CM. Yet, how psychologists should engage with CM in their clinical practice (e.g., how to respond to a client disclosing CM use or enquiries regarding CM products or services for mental health) remains contested and unclear. In response, a systematic integrative review was conducted to examine empirical literature reporting on one or more aspects of the relationship between psychology (incorporating clinical practice, professional associations and academia) and CM, and how that relationship may relate to or inform psychologists' engagement with CM in their clinical practice. Twenty-seven peer-reviewed articles met the specific inclusion criteria and quality appraisal was employed. Analysis shows a substantial number of psychologists are engaging with, or are interested in engaging with, CM in their clinical practice. Analysis identified a dissonance between psychologists' engagement with CM in clinical practice and the limited engagement of the broader discipline of psychology with CM. Further research is required to understand these differing types of engagement with a view to helping inform relevant policy and practice guidelines, and ultimately assist psychologists in navigating CM in their clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Thomson-Casey
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jon Adams
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Erica McIntyre
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Ee C, Templeman K, Forth A, Kotsirilos V, Singleton G, Deed G, Dubois S, Pirotta M, Harnett J, Myers S, Hunter J. Integrative Medicine in General Practice in Australia: A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Education Pathways and Training Needs. Glob Adv Health Med 2021; 10:21649561211037594. [PMID: 34414016 PMCID: PMC8369962 DOI: 10.1177/21649561211037594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, a substantial proportion of general practitioners (GPs) incorporate integrative medicine (IM) into their clinical practice. Objective This study aimed to map the IM education and training pathways and needs of a cohort of Australian GPs who are members of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ IM Specific Interest Network, which is a group of GPs with interest in IM. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study comprising of an online, cross-sectional survey supplemented with in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data from the survey and interviews were initially analysed separately and then combined. Results Eighty-three (83) of 505 eligible GPs/GPs in training (16.4%) participated in the survey, and 15 GPs were interviewed. Results from the two datasets either converged or were complementary. Almost half (47%) of survey respondents had undertaken formal undergraduate or postgraduate IM education, a short course (63%), informal education (71%) or self-education (54%), in at least one of 20 IM modalities listed. Interviewees affirmed there was no single education pathway in IM. Survey respondents who identified as practicing IM were significantly more likely to have IM education, positive attitudes towards IM, particularly natural products, and higher self-rated IM knowledge and competencies. However, knowledge gaps were identified in professional skills domains of population health and context, and organisational and legal dimensions of applied IM practice. Interviewees also highlighted a range of professional and systemic barriers to the practice of IM, education, and training. There was broad support for recognition of IM as a sub-specialty through formalised post-graduate training and accreditation. Most survey respondents (62%) expressed interest in post-fellowship recognition of GPs with advanced skills in IM. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that it is important to define best practice in IM for GPs in Australia and provide a standardised pathway towards recognition of advanced skills in IM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Ee
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Templeman
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amy Forth
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vicki Kotsirilos
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gillian Singleton
- Fellowship Pathways, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gary Deed
- Mediwell Clinic, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Metabolism Ageing Genomics Research Unit, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Quality Care, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shamieka Dubois
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marie Pirotta
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanna Harnett
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Myers
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.,National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer Hunter
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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Mwaka AD, Abbo C, Kinengyere AA. Traditional and Complementary Medicine Use Among Adult Cancer Patients Undergoing Conventional Treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review on the Use, Safety and Risks. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:3699-3712. [PMID: 32547206 PMCID: PMC7246319 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s251975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Use of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is very common among patients in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there are limited data on concurrent use of T&CM with conventional cancer therapies. In this scoping review, we sought to describe the (i) prevalence of use, (ii) types of medicine, (iii) reasons for taking T&CM, (iv) current knowledge on safety and risks, (v) characteristics of adult cancer patients who use T&CM, and (vi) perceived treatment outcomes among cancer patients undergoing conventional cancer treatment in SSA. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search for articles published in the English language in three scientific databases (PubMed, Embase and Web of Science). We used a scoping review approach to map relevant literature on T&CM use among cancer patients undergoing conventional cancer treatments. We assessed 96 articles based on titles and abstracts, and 23 articles based on full text. Twelve articles fulfilled preset eligibility criteria. Results More than half of the included articles were from only two countries in SSA: Nigeria and Uganda. Median prevalence of use of T&CM was 60.0% (range: 14.1-79.0%). Median percent disclosure of use of T&CM to attending healthcare professionals was low at 32% (range: 15.3-85.7%). The most common reasons for non-disclosure were: the doctor did not ask, the doctor would rebuke them for using T&CM, and the doctors do not know much about T&CM and so there is no need to share the issue of use with them. T&CM used by cancer patients included herbs, healing prayers and massage. Reported reasons for use of T&CM in 8 of 12 articles included the wish to get rid of cancer symptoms, especially pain, cure cancer, improve physical and psychological well-being, treat toxicity of conventional cancer therapies and improve immunity. There were limited data on safety and risk profiles of T&CM among cancer patients in SSA. Conclusion Use of traditional and complementary medicines is common among cancer patients undergoing conventional cancer treatments. Healthcare professionals caring for cancer patients ought to inquire and communicate effectively regarding the use of T&CM in order to minimize the risks of side effects from concurrent use of T&CM and biomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos Deogratius Mwaka
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Catherine Abbo
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alison Annet Kinengyere
- Albert Cook Medical Library, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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