1
|
Tang S, Gong Y, Yao L, Xu Y, Liu M, Yang T, Ye C, Bai Y. Do medical treatment choices affect the health of chronic patients in middle and old age in China?-Evidence from CHARLS 2018. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:937. [PMID: 35538471 PMCID: PMC9088154 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13309-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Different medical treatment choices may affect the health of patients with chronic diseases. This study aims to assess the relationship between treatment choices, including the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and the health levels of middle-aged and elderly patients with six chronic diseases. The sample data comes from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2018). Basic conditions, medical choices and health status of patients are incorporated. The ordered Logit and Logit regression models are used to analyze and compare the effects of six chronic disease patients’ medical options on their self-rated health (SRH) and depression. The overall average score of SRH is the highest in patients with heart disease (the worst in SRH), which is 3.433. Arthritis patients have the highest overall depression average score (depression) at 0.444. Under the premise of controlling a variety of socio-demographic factors, compared with the non-treatment group, taking TCM has a significant positive effect on SRH of patients with five diseases except hypertension. Both taking western medicine (WM) and taking integrated Chinese and Western medicine (IM) have a significant positive effect on SRH scores of patients with six chronic diseases in middle and old age. Taking TCM has effect on depression of patients with heart or stomach diseases, and taking WM and IM affects depression of middle-aged and elderly chronic patients except diabetes. Taking IM has a greater effect on SRH and depression of chronically ill patients, followed by taking WM, and the effect of taking TCM is relatively small, which is related to the development stage of the disease. Therefore, in the future, the control and treatment of chronic diseases in the middle and late stages can be discussed from the perspective of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine, but attention should be paid to drug interactions. In order to improve the treatment rate and health level of patients with chronic diseases, their economic burden should be reduced, and they should be guided to choose more reasonable treatment methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Gong
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ling Yao
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Meixian Liu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Tongling Yang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chaoyu Ye
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yamei Bai
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Szemerszky R, Dömötör Z, Witthöft M, Köteles F. Modern health worries and idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields are associated with paranoid ideation. J Psychosom Res 2021; 146:110501. [PMID: 33930739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Paranoid ideation is assumed to characterize worries about possible harmful effects of modern technologies (MHWs) and idiopathic environmental intolerances (IEIs), such as IEI attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF). Empirical evidence on these associations is scarce. METHODS In a cross-sectional on-line survey, participants of a community sample (n = 700; mean age: 28.4 ± 12.0; 434 females) completed the Somatosensory Amplification Scale, the Modern Health Worries Scale, and the Paranoid Ideation scale of the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised. They were considered IEI-EMF if (1) they categorized themselves so, (2) they had experienced symptoms that they attributed to the exposure to electromagnetic fields, and (3) the condition impacted their everyday functioning. RESULTS Paranoid ideation was significantly positively associated with MHWs (standardized β = 0.150, p < .001) even after controlling for socio-demographic variables and somatosensory amplification tendency, an indicator of somatic symptom distress. Also, paranoid ideation explained significant variability in IEI-EMF (OR = 1.090, 95% CI: 1.006-1.180, p = .035) even after statistically controlling for socio-demographic variables and somatosensory amplification. CONCLUSIONS Paranoid ideation was found to be associated with MHWs and IEI-EMF. This association appears independent of general somatic symptom distress in both cases. This might partly explain the temporal stability of these constructs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renáta Szemerszky
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Zsuzsanna Dömötör
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Michael Witthöft
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ferenc Köteles
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dean CE, Akhtar S, Gale TM, Irvine K, Wiseman R, Laws KR. Development of the Paranormal and Supernatural Beliefs Scale using classical and modern test theory. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:98. [PMID: 34162430 PMCID: PMC8220838 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00600-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study describes the construction and validation of a new scale for measuring belief in paranormal phenomena. The work aims to address psychometric and conceptual shortcomings associated with existing measures of paranormal belief. The study also compares the use of classic test theory and modern test theory as methods for scale development. Method We combined novel items and amended items taken from existing scales, to produce an initial corpus of 29 items. Two hundred and thirty-one adult participants rated their level of agreement with each item using a seven-point Likert scale. Results Classical test theory methods (including exploratory factor analysis and principal components analysis) reduced the scale to 14 items and one overarching factor: Supernatural Beliefs. The factor demonstrated high internal reliability, with an excellent test–retest reliability for the total scale. Modern test theory methods (Rasch analysis using a rating scale model) reduced the scale to 13 items with a four-point response format. The Rasch scale was found to be most effective at differentiating between individuals with moderate-high levels of paranormal beliefs, and differential item functioning analysis indicated that the Rasch scale represents a valid measure of belief in paranormal phenomena. Conclusions The scale developed using modern test theory is identified as the final scale as this model allowed for in-depth analyses and refinement of the scale that was not possible using classical test theory. Results support the psychometric reliability of this new scale for assessing belief in paranormal phenomena, particularly when differentiating between individuals with higher levels of belief. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-021-00600-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E Dean
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK.
| | - Shazia Akhtar
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Tim M Gale
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Karen Irvine
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Richard Wiseman
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Keith R Laws
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Why do chronic illness patients decide to use complementary and alternative medicine? A qualitative study. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2021; 43:101363. [PMID: 33740591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A substantial proportion of European and American people now use healthcare options known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This study aimed to understand the processes and decisional pathways through which chronic illness patients choose treatments outside of regular allopathic medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS This qualitative study used Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory methods to collect and analyze data. Using theoretical sampling, 21 individuals suffering from chronic illness and who had used CAM treatment participated in face-to-face in-depth interviews conducted in Miami/USA. RESULTS Seven overarching themes emerged from the data to describe how and why people with chronic illness choose CAM treatments. These themes included 1) influences, 2) desperation, 3) being averse to allopathic medicine and allopathic medical practice, 4) curiosity and chance, 5) ease of access, 6) institutional help, and 7) trial and error. CONCLUSION In selecting treatment options that include CAM, individuals draw on their social, economic, and biographical situations. Though exploratory, this study sheds light on some of the less examined reasons for CAM use.
Collapse
|
5
|
Furnham A. Modern Health Worries and the Personality Disorders: Two Studies Using Different Measures. Health (London) 2021. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2021.133019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
6
|
Dömötör Z, Nordin S, Witthöft M, Köteles F. Modern health worries: A systematic review. J Psychosom Res 2019; 124:109781. [PMID: 31443819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.109781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Modern health worries (MHWs) refer to people's concerns about possible harmful effects of modern technologies, and are widespread in the developed countries. The aim of the present work was to provide comprehensive, yet integrated understanding for MHWs and associated factors. METHODS Following the PRISMA guideline, a systematic review was conducted based on 48 empirical articles published between 2001 and 2018 (Prospero registration number: CRD42018103756). All empirical studies were included that (1) were published between 2001 and 2018 in peer-reviewed scientific journals in English, German, or Hungarian, (2) used the Modern Health Worries Scale or any of its sub-scales, and (3) assessed associations between MHWs and other constructs and/or compared criterion groups (i.e. purely psychometric studies were excluded). RESULTS The results from the review suggest that female gender, age, somatic symptom distress and idiopathic environmental intolerances, holistic thinking, and paranoid beliefs are positively associated with MHWs, whereas educational qualification and the five major dimensions of personality appear not to be. CONCLUSION Scientific inquiry on the MHWs phenomenon is still in its descriptive-explorative phase; more rigorously designed studies are needed. The presented theoretical framework integrates illness-related and holistic thinking-related aspects of MHWs as a starting point to guide further research in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna Dömötör
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary.
| | | | - Michael Witthöft
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ferenc Köteles
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Antonelli M, Donelli D. Reinterpreting homoeopathy in the light of placebo effects to manage patients who seek homoeopathic care: A systematic review. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2019; 27:824-847. [PMID: 30456773 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Homoeopathy is widespread, and users claim to benefit from it. However, clear evidence of its efficacy over placebo is not available to date. As a consequence, a social separation between homoeopathy users and mainstream medicine exists, exposing these patients to many risks. Our primary objective is to assess homoeopathy efficacy by systematically reviewing existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses and to systematically review trials on open-label placebo (OLP) treatments. A secondary objective is to understand if homoeopathy as a whole may be considered as a placebo treatment. PubMed/Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on homoeopathy efficacy, and 61 studies were included. Same databases plus Journal of Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies (JIPS) were also systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on OLP treatments, and 10 studies were included. Databases were searched up to 24 February 2018. Two authors independently screened all retrieved articles and selected studies eligible for inclusion. The quality of reviews of included studies was evaluated with a dedicated NIH tool in the first review, whereas the risk of bias of trials of included studies was assessed with the specific Cochrane tool in the second review. Qualitative syntheses show that homoeopathy efficacy can be considered comparable to placebo, and that OLP treatments may be effective in some health conditions. Placebo effects like placebo itself, treatment context, physician-patient relationship, and other nonspecific factors can define the idea of placebo treatments, which may be effective in some conditions. If homoeopathy efficacy is comparable to placebo, and if placebo treatments can be effective in some conditions, then homoeopathy as a whole may be considered as a placebo treatment. Reinterpreting homoeopathy as a placebo treatment would define limits and possibilities of this practice. This perspective shift suggests a strategy to manage patients who seek homoeopathic care and to reconcile them with mainstream medicine in a sustainable way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Antonelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Public Health, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Terme di Monticelli, Parma, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Modern health worries: Deriving two measurement invariant short scales for cross-cultural research with Ant Colony Optimization. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211819. [PMID: 30730928 PMCID: PMC6366774 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Worries about possible harmful effects of new technologies (modern health worries) have intensely been investigated in the last decade. However, the comparability of translated self-report measures across countries is often problematic. This study aimed to overcome this problem by developing psychometrically sound brief versions of the widely used 25-item Modern Health Worries Scale (MHWS) suitable for multi-country use. Based on data of overall 5,176 individuals from four European countries (England, Germany, Hungary, Sweden), Ant Colony Optimization was used to identify the indicators that optimize model fit and measurement invariance across countries. Two scales were developed. A short (12-item) version of the MHWS that represents the four-factor structure of the original version and an ultra-short (4-item) scale that only measures the general construct. Both scales show that overall levels of health worries were highest in England and Hungary, but that the main reason for concern (e.g. electromagnetic radiation or food related fears) differs considerably between these countries. This study also shows that even if measurement invariance of translated self-report instruments across countries is problematic, it can be optimized by using adequate item selection procedures. Differences of modern health worries across countries and recommendations for cross-cultural research are discussed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Dodds S, Bulmer SL, Murphy AJ. Exploring consumers’ experiences of spiritual value in healthcare services. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1108/srj-09-2016-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore consumer experiences of spiritual value and investigates whether it is distinct from ethical value within a large and growing private sector health-care setting. Understanding consumers’ experiences of spiritual value versus ethical value has important implications for corporate social responsibility as increasingly, consumers want their spiritual needs met.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopts an exploratory case study approach using in-depth interviews with 16 consumers who use complementary and alternative medicine health-care services. Drawing on consumer value frameworks, a thematic analysis identified dimensions of spiritual and ethical values co-created during their consumption experiences.
Findings
From a consumer’s perspective, spiritual value is distinct from ethical value. The key finding is that participants talked about spiritual value predominantly in reactive terms (apprehending, appreciating, admiring or responding), whereas ethical value was referred to as active (taking action).
Research limitations/implications
This paper enhances the understanding of spiritual value and provides evidence that people want their spiritual needs met in a private health-care context. Furthermore, this study provides insights into the consumption experience of spiritual value that can be considered, with further research, in other health-care and service contexts.
Originality/value
This paper offers a new view on corporate social responsibility by taking a consumer’s perspective, and identifying that consumer experiences of spiritual value are important and distinct from ethical value.
Collapse
|
10
|
Köteles F, Simor P, Czető M, Sárog N, Szemerszky R. Modern health worries - the dark side of spirituality? Scand J Psychol 2016; 57:313-20. [DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Köteles
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences; Eötvös Loránd University; Budapest Hungary
| | - Péter Simor
- Department of Cognitive Sciences; Budapest University of Technology and Economics; Hungary
- Nyírő Gyula Hospital National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions; Hungary
| | | | - Noémi Sárog
- Institute of Psychology; Eötvös Loránd University; Hungary
| | - Renáta Szemerszky
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences; Eötvös Loránd University; Budapest Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Köteles F, Simor P. Somatic symptoms and holistic thinking as major dimensions behind modern health worries. Int J Behav Med 2015; 21:869-76. [PMID: 24136400 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-013-9363-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern health worries (MHWs) were related to somatic symptoms and to preference of holistic healing methods in previous studies. PURPOSE The study aimed to investigate the contribution of symptom-related and holism-related factors to MHWs. METHODS Participants (visitors of an Internet news portal; N = 16152; 64.1 % males) completed a questionnaire assessing MHWs, somatosensory amplification, somatic symptoms, positive and negative affect, spirituality, holistic health beliefs, and various aspects of health care utilization (both conventional and alternative). RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis with oblique rotation revealed two independent dimensions ("Somatic symptom distress" and "Holism") MHWs were involved with factor loadings of 0.294 and 0.417, respectively. The existence of two factors was supported by the results of confirmatory factor analysis. No practically significant interaction between the two factors was found in binary logistic regression analysis. Positive and negative affect, somatosensory amplification, spirituality, and holistic health beliefs were positively connected, while self-rated health status was negatively connected to MHWs even after controlling for socio-demographic and treatment-related variables. CONCLUSIONS Holistic thinking and symptom-related behavioral and psychological factors are independently associated with MHWs. Modern health worries can be conceptualized as symptom-related by-products of a holistic-spiritual worldview.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Köteles
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Institute for Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Bogdánfy Ödön u. 10., 1117, Hungary,
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fionda S, Furnham A. Hypochondriacal attitudes and beliefs, attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine and modern health worries predict patient satisfaction. JRSM Open 2014; 5:2054270414551659. [PMID: 25408919 PMCID: PMC4229056 DOI: 10.1177/2054270414551659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate how hypochondriacal attitudes and beliefs, attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and modern health worries (MHWs) related to patient satisfaction with their general practitioner. Design Participants completed a five-part questionnaire anonymously which measured satisfaction with one’s doctor, hypochondriacal beliefs, attitudes to CAM, MHWs and personality. Setting England Participants Included 215 adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Main outcome measure The Illness Attitudes Scales measuring the attitudes, fears and beliefs associated with hypochondriasis; Worry about Illness; Concerns about Pain, Health Habits, Hypochondriacal beliefs; Thanatophobia, Disease phobia, Bodily preoccupations; Treatment experience and Effects of symptoms. Results Correlations (around r = .10 to .25) and Regressions (R square from .06 to .09) showed demographic and personality variables only modestly related to patient satisfaction. Hypochondriasis, CAM and MHWs were associated with greater patient dissatisfaction as predicted with the former as the most powerful correlate. Conclusion The study indicates the different needs of potential patients in a typical medical consultation. It is important to ascertain patients’ health beliefs and practices with regard to medical history, attitudes to CAM and MHWs to increase consultation satisfaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Fionda
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 26 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AP, UK
| | - Adrian Furnham
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 26 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kowall B, Breckenkamp J, Berg-Beckhoff G. General practitioners using complementary and alternative medicine differ from general practitioners using conventional medicine in their view of the risks of electromagnetic fields: a postal survey from Germany. J Prim Care Community Health 2014; 6:21-8. [PMID: 25142575 DOI: 10.1177/2150131914546332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE General practitioners (GPs) play a key role in consulting patients worried about health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF). We compared GPs using conventional medicine (COM) with GPs using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) concerning their perception of EMF risks. Moreover, we assessed whether the kind of alternative medicine has an influence on the results. METHODS A total of 2795 GPs drawn randomly from lists of German GPs were sent an either long or short self-administered postal questionnaire on EMF-related topics. Adjusted logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association of an education in alternative medicine with various aspects of perceiving EMF risks. RESULTS Concern about EMF, misconceptions about EMF, and distrust toward scientific organizations are more prevalent in CAM-GPs. CAM-GPs more often falsely believed that mobile phone use can lead to head warming of more than 1°C (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-3.3), more often distrusted the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.4-3.6), were more often concerned about mobile phone base stations (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.6-3.6), more often attributed own health complaints to EMF (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.8-5.6), and more often reported at least 1 EMF consultation (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.6-3.9). GPs using homeopathy perceived EMF as more risky than GPs using acupuncture or naturopathic treatment. CONCLUSION Concern about common EMF sources is highly prevalent among German GPs. CAM-GPs perceive stronger associations between EMF and health problems than COM-GPs. There is a need for evidence-based information about EMF risks for GPs and particularly for CAM-GPs. This is the precondition that GPs can inform patients about EMF and health in line with current scientific knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Kowall
- German Diabetes Center at Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jürgen Breckenkamp
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
KÖTELES FERENC, BÁRÁNY ESZTER, VARSÁNYI PÉTER, BÁRDOS GYÖRGY. Are modern health worries associated with somatosensory amplification, environmental attribution style, and commitment to complementary and alternative medicine? Scand J Psychol 2011; 53:144-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9450.2011.00908.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|