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Romero-García PA, Ramirez-Perez S, Miguel-González JJ, Guzmán-Silahua S, Castañeda-Moreno JA, Komninou S, Rodríguez-Lara SQ. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Practices: A Narrative Review Elucidating the Impact on Healthcare Systems, Mechanisms and Paediatric Applications. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1547. [PMID: 39120250 PMCID: PMC11311728 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12151547] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
While research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the general population is expanding, there remains a scarcity of studies investigating the efficacy and utilisation of CAM practices, specifically in the paediatric population. In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of the parental utilisation of CAM in their dependents is estimated to reach up to 80%. This literature review identified broad, heterogeneous, and inconclusive evidence regarding CAM's applications and effectiveness, primarily attributed to variance in sociodemographic factors and differences in national healthcare systems. Additionally, the review identified a lack of consensus and polarised positions among mainstream professionals regarding the mechanisms of action, applications, and effectiveness of CAM. This narrative review presents varied results concerning the efficacy of most CAM therapies and their applications; however, some evidence suggests potential benefits for acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and massage in improving physical and mental health. Moreover, the available evidence indicates that meditation may enhance mental health, while reiki may only influence patients' perceptions of comfort. In light of the intricate and multifaceted nature of herbal medicine, it is imperative to assess its efficacy on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific compounds and procedures involved. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for health professionals, offering guidance for personalised healthcare approaches that consider the values and beliefs of patients, thereby facilitating integrated, evidence-based practices aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare services and patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Anaid Romero-García
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45129, Jalisco, Mexico; (S.R.-P.); (J.J.M.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (J.A.C.-M.)
| | - Sergio Ramirez-Perez
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45129, Jalisco, Mexico; (S.R.-P.); (J.J.M.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (J.A.C.-M.)
- Instituto de Investigación en Reumatología y del Sistema Músculo-Esquelético (IIRSME), CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44100, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Jorge Javier Miguel-González
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45129, Jalisco, Mexico; (S.R.-P.); (J.J.M.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (J.A.C.-M.)
- Departamento de Investigación, Instituto Cardiovascular de Mínima Invasión (ICMI), Zapopan 45116, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Sandra Guzmán-Silahua
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45129, Jalisco, Mexico; (S.R.-P.); (J.J.M.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (J.A.C.-M.)
- Unidad de Investigación Epidemiológica y en Servicios de Salud, CMNO OOAD Jalisco Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara 44160, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Javier Adan Castañeda-Moreno
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45129, Jalisco, Mexico; (S.R.-P.); (J.J.M.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (J.A.C.-M.)
| | - Sophia Komninou
- Faculty of Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK;
| | - Simón Quetzalcoatl Rodríguez-Lara
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45129, Jalisco, Mexico; (S.R.-P.); (J.J.M.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (J.A.C.-M.)
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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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Mora DC, Jong MC, Quandt SA, Arcury TA, Kristoffersen AE, Stub T. Supportive care for cancer-related symptoms in pediatric oncology: a qualitative study among healthcare providers. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:104. [PMID: 37013571 PMCID: PMC10069108 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03924-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to gain insight into the clinical experiences and perceptions that pediatric oncology experts, conventional healthcare providers, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers in Norway, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States have with the use of supportive care, including CAM among children and adolescents with cancer. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 22) with healthcare providers with clinical experience working with CAM and/or other supportive care among children and adolescents with cancer from five different countries. Participants were recruited through professional associations and personal networks. Systematic content analysis was used to delineate the main themes. The analysis resulted in three themes and six subthemes. RESULTS Most participants had over 10 years of professional practice. They mostly treated children and adolescents with leukemia who suffered from adverse effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea and poor appetite. Their priorities were to identify the parents' treatment goals and help the children with their daily complaints. Some modalities frequently used were acupuncture, massage, music, and play therapy. Parents received information about supplements and diets in line with their treatment philosophies. They received education from the providers to mitigate symptoms and improve the well-being of the child. CONCLUSIONS Clinical experiences of pediatric oncology experts, conventional health care providers, and CAM providers give an understanding of how supportive care modalities, including CAM, are perceived in the field and how they can be implemented as adaptational tools to manage adverse effects and to improve the quality of life of children diagnosed with cancer and the families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana C Mora
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Faculty of Health Science, Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, N-9037, Norway.
| | - Miek C Jong
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Faculty of Health Science, Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, N-9037, Norway
| | - Sara A Quandt
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Thomas A Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Agnete E Kristoffersen
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Faculty of Health Science, Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, N-9037, Norway
| | - Trine Stub
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Faculty of Health Science, Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, N-9037, Norway
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Muhammed Taher MI, Ibrahim RH. Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of university's employees about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2023.101184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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Mora DC, Kristoffersen AE, Jong MC, Hervik JA, Stub T. A Qualitative Study Among Healthcare Providers on Risks Associated With the Use of Supportive Care for Cancer Treatment-Related Symptoms in Children and Adolescents. Integr Cancer Ther 2023; 22:15347354231192959. [PMID: 37551913 PMCID: PMC10411284 DOI: 10.1177/15347354231192959] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although more than 300 000 children and adolescents worldwide are diagnosed with cancer yearly, little research has been conducted investigating how healthcare providers consider risk and patient safety connected with supportive care (including complementary and alternative medicine [CAM]) in this age group. This study aimed to explore how different healthcare providers perceive and evaluate risk when patients combine supportive care and conventional medicine in clinical practice and how they communicate and inform parents about the use of these modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 healthcare providers with expertise in treating pediatric oncology patients from 5 countries. Systematic content analysis was conducted using Nvivo 1.61. RESULTS The analysis resulted in 3 themes and 8 subthemes. Generally, participants were cautious about implementing unproven new modalities or therapies when recommending supporting care modalities to parents of children and adolescents with cancer. The most important criterion when recommending a modality was evidence for safety based on a risk/benefit evaluation. Negative interactions with conventional medicine were avoided by using the half-life of a drug approach (the time it takes for the amount of a drug's active substance in the body to reduce by half). For patients with severe symptoms, less invasive modalities were used (ear seeds instead of ear needling). To enhance safety, participants practiced open and egalitarian communication with parents. CONCLUSION Healthcare providers reported using a variety of approaches to achieve a safe practice when parents wanted to combine supportive care and conventional cancer treatment. They emphasized that these modalities should be foremost safe and not become an extra burden for the patients. Providers highlighted patient-centered care to meet the individual's specific health needs and desired health outcomes. A lack of national and regional standardized training programs for supportive care in pediatric oncology was considered a hazard to patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana C. Mora
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Miek C. Jong
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Trine Stub
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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The Use of Psychotropic Medication in Pediatric Oncology for Acute Psychological and Psychiatric Problems: Balancing Risks and Benefits. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121878. [PMID: 36553324 PMCID: PMC9777172 DOI: 10.3390/children9121878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute behavioral and emotional problems represent one of the most serious treatment-related adverse effects for children and adolescents who have cancer. The critical and severe nature of these symptoms often makes necessary the use of psychotropic drugs. A working group composed of experts in multiple disciplines had the task of creating an agreement regarding a management plan for severe acute behavioral and emotional problems (SABEPs) in children and adolescents treated for cancer. To obtain global information on the use of psychotropic drugs in pediatric oncology, the working group first developed and mailed a 15-item questionnaire to many Italian pediatric oncology centers. Overall, an evident lack of knowledge and education regarding the use of psychotropic medications for the treatment of SABEPs was found. Thus, by referring to an adapted version of the Delphi method of consensus and standard methods for the elaboration of clinical questions (PICOs), the working group elaborated evidence-based recommendations for psychotropic drugs in the pediatric oncology setting. Furthermore, based on a thorough multivariate analysis of needs and difficulties, a comprehensive management flow was developed to optimize therapeutic interventions, which allows more accurate and efficient matching of the acute needs of patients while guiding treatment options.
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Singh N, Yadav SS. Ethnomedicinal uses of Indian spices used for cancer treatment: A treatise on structure-activity relationship and signaling pathways. Curr Res Food Sci 2022; 5:1845-1872. [PMID: 36276240 PMCID: PMC9579211 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.10.005] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is among the major cause of demise worldwide. Though the array of anticancer chemical medications is available but unfortunately, they are also associated with negative health effects. The invaluable therapeutic potential of spices makes them an integral part of our daily diet. Therefore, the present work focuses on the traditional uses of 46 spices and the phytochemical analysis of 31 spices. Out of them, only 29 spices are explored for their cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines. The pre-clinical and clinical anticancer studies of spices along with their toxicity, mechanism of actions like Wnt/β-catenin, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), JAK/STAT, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Notch-mediated pathways and Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies were also focused. Curcumin was found as one of the most explored bioactive in every aspect such as in-vitro, in-vivo, clinical as well as SAR anticancer studies while some other bioactive such as 1,8-Cineole, trans-Anethole, Diosgenin, Trigonelline are either unexplored or least explored for their clinical and SAR studies. In fact, traditional medicinal uses of spices also provide solid shreds of evidence for the new leads towards the invention of novel anticancer agents. Therefore, further research can be designed for the anticancer marketed formulation from spices after having their placebo and related toxicological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Singh
- Department of Botany, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Surender Singh Yadav
- Department of Botany, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
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Calcaterra V, Zuccotti G. New therapeutic approaches in children's medicine towards solving critical issues in pediatrics. Pharmacol Res 2022; 183:106394. [PMID: 35963499 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric Department, "Vittore Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, "Vittore Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
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