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Workie Limenh L, Emagn Kasahun A, Ayalew Tessema T, Kerie Anagaw Y, Simegn W, Ayenew W. Assessment of traditional healers' knowledge and utilization of pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies in the Amhara region, North West Ethiopia. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2024; 62:261-268. [PMID: 38389287 PMCID: PMC10896146 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2024.2318795] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies play a vital role in the quality of traditional medicines, they have not received much attention from stakeholders and researchers nationally and internationally. OBJECTIVE This study assesses traditional healers' knowledge and utilization of pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies in the Amhara region, North West Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on 70 traditional healers. The data were collected using an interview-based questionnaire. The collected data were checked and entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 for analysis. The results were presented as percentages. The association between socio-demographic characteristics and traditional healers' knowledge of pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies was examined using Pearson's Chi-squares test. RESULTS About 90% of traditional healers had information about pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies, and currently 80% of them used different pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies individually and in combination with traditional equipment. Although most traditional healers used different pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies, only 13.3% of them used equipment and supplies a day. Only 15% of traditional healers continuously cleaned their equipment. None of the socio-demographic variables were significantly associated to the knowledge of pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Pharmaceutical equipment and medical supplies used by traditional healers was inconsistent, mainly associated with their habit of using self-prepared and home-available equipment. Moreover, the checkup status of compounding equipment was poor. As Traditional healers provide high-patient care services, emphasis should be given to improving their preparation and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liknaw Workie Limenh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Asmamaw Emagn Kasahun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tewodros Ayalew Tessema
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yeniewa Kerie Anagaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wudneh Simegn
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wondim Ayenew
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Keyßer G, Frohne I, Schultz O, Reuß-Borst M, Sander O, Pfeil A. [Procedures of complementary medicine in rheumatology]. Z Rheumatol 2024:10.1007/s00393-024-01524-9. [PMID: 38935116 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-024-01524-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system are confronted with a large quantity of treatment offers based on methods of complementary medicine. Despite a considerable number of publications on this topic, the scientific evidence is still poor. This article focuses on Ayurvedic medicine (AM), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), mind-body medicine and homeopathy. These procedures have a longstanding tradition of practice and each claims to have its own theoretical concept; however, the application in the field of rheumatology can only be recommended either for specific entities or, in the case of homeopathy, not at all. In addition, this article summarizes the evidence for dietary recommendations, nutritional supplements and herbal medicine in rheumatology. The latter topics are frequently discussed in the popular press and are a much-debated issue between physicians and patients; however, clear-cut recommendations for the application on a scientific basis are the exception and mainly consist of the endorsement to adhere to the principles of a Mediterranean diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Keyßer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Deutschland.
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Yuan J, Xu Y, Wong IOL, Lam WWT, Ni MY, Cowling BJ, Liao Q. Dynamic predictors of COVID-19 vaccination uptake and their interconnections over two years in Hong Kong. Nat Commun 2024; 15:290. [PMID: 38177142 PMCID: PMC10767005 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44650-9] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines faces a significant barrier in the form of vaccine hesitancy. This study adopts a dynamic and network perspective to explore the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Hong Kong, focusing on multi-level determinants and their interconnections. Following the framework proposed by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE), the study used repeated cross-sectional surveys to map these determinants at multiple levels and investigates their interconnections simultaneously in a sample of 15,179 over two years. The results highlight the dynamic nature of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in an evolving pandemic. The findings suggest that vaccine confidence attitudes play crucial roles in vaccination uptake, with their importance shifting over time. The initial emphasis on vaccine safety gradually transitioned to heightened consideration of vaccine effectiveness at a later stage. The study also highlights the impact of chronic condition, age, COVID-19 case numbers, and non-pharmaceutical preventive behaviours on vaccine uptake. Higher educational attainment and being married were associated with primary and booster vaccine uptake and it may be possible to leverage these groups as early innovation adopters. Trust in government acts as a crucial bridging factor linking various variables in the networks with vaccine confidence attitudes, which subsequently closely linked to vaccine uptake. This study provides insights for designing future effective vaccination programmes for changing circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiehu Yuan
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yucan Xu
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Irene Oi Ling Wong
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wendy Wing Tak Lam
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Jocky Club Institute of Cancer Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Michael Y Ni
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Urban Systems Institute, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Benjamin J Cowling
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Qiuyan Liao
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Wall NR, Fuller RN, Morcos A, De Leon M. Pancreatic Cancer Health Disparity: Pharmacologic Anthropology. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5070. [PMID: 37894437 PMCID: PMC10605341 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PCa) remains a formidable global health challenge, with high mortality rates and limited treatment options. While advancements in pharmacology have led to improved outcomes for various cancers, PCa continues to exhibit significant health disparities, disproportionately affecting certain populations. This paper explores the intersection of pharmacology and anthropology in understanding the health disparities associated with PCa. By considering the socio-cultural, economic, and behavioral factors that influence the development, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of PCa, pharmacologic anthropology provides a comprehensive framework to address these disparities and improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Wall
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Science, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (R.N.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Ryan N. Fuller
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Science, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (R.N.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Ann Morcos
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Science, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (R.N.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Marino De Leon
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Science, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
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Wang X, Chen J, Feng M, Zhuang M, Wang J, Zhang L, Liu Y, Chen H. Demand and influencing factors of "Internet + Traditional Chinese Medicine" home nursing service for older adult patients with chronic diseases: a mixed research perspective. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1271082. [PMID: 37927869 PMCID: PMC10622788 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1271082] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the context of global aging, the characteristics of chronic diseases seriously affect the quality of life of older adults. It is urgent to carry out continuous nursing basis for older adult patients with chronic diseases. In view of the remarkable efficacy of Chinese medicine in the treatment of chronic diseases, this study may help to understand the demand for "Internet + Chinese medicine" home care service and its influencing factors of older adult chronic disease patients, and to provide a reference basis for improving the quality of life of the older adult chronic disease population. Methods This is a mixed study. The quantitative study adopted the convenience sampling method, and a total of 308 patients in a third-grade hospital in Shaanxi Province were investigated by general data questionnaire, traditional Chinese medicine service demand questionnaire, traditional Chinese medicine knowledge questionnaire, older adult Chinese medicine attitude questionnaire, and home care demand questionnaire from March to April 2022. In the qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were adopted, and patients were interviewed until the content was saturated. Colaizzi analysis method was used to analyze and summarize the topic of the interview data. Results 308 valid questionnaires were collected, and the patients scored (58.42 ± 17.16) on the demand for TCM nursing services, (59.86 ± 11.54) on the knowledge of TCM, (73.03 ± 9.11) on the attitude toward TCM, and (136.84 ± 46.39) on the demand for home care. The results of multiple linear regression showed that learning about the nursing service pathway, knowledge of general knowledge of Chinese medicine, and attitude toward Chinese medicine among the older adult and home care demand were the influencing factors of the demand for Chinese medicine nursing services for older adult patients with chronic diseases (p < 0.05). The results of the in-depth interviews were summarized into three themes: facilitating factor, hindering factor, and the "Internet + Chinese medicine" multiple needs of home care. Conclusion Older adult patients with chronic diseases have a high intention of home care demand and they are affected by multiple factors. Consequently, the actual demand situation of older adult patients with chronic diseases should be used as a guide to provide directed and diversified Chinese medicine home care services to meet the individualized needs of the older adult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghuan Wang
- School of Nursing, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Jinyan Chen
- School of Nursing, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Meiqin Feng
- School of Nursing, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Miaoqing Zhuang
- School of Nursing, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Jiayi Wang
- School of Nursing, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Luyu Zhang
- School of Nursing, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Yue Liu
- School of Nursing, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Hongfang Chen
- Personnel Department, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
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