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Mazzoleni B, Ferrari G, Savioni F, Gravante F, Lopane D, Dacomi A, Coldani C, Tomaiuolo G, Cattani D, Anastasi G, Mancin S. Non-pharmacological strategies to alleviate dysgeusia in patients undergoing chemotherapy: A systematic review. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 70:102569. [PMID: 38593535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102569] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dysgeusia is a common side effect in oncology patients, significantly impacting their quality of life. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological strategies in treating dysgeusia in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. METHODS Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive literature search across five databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and the British Nursing Database. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools to assess the quality of the included studies. A harvest plot was used to synthesise evidence about the differential effects of population-level interventions. RESULTS Nine studies of non-pharmacological strategies to manage dysgeusia were included. These studies encompassed a variety of interventions, including oral applications and supplements, instrumental techniques, and educational programs. The review identified promising interventions such as cryotherapy and Miraculine supplementation, which showed potential in mitigating taste alterations. Instrumental techniques like photobiomodulation therapy and complementary and integrative medicine approaches, including acupuncture and herbs, were also found to be beneficial. Educational and self-management strategies emerged as effective interventions for empowering patients to manage dysgeusia. Despite the diversity of interventions and the limitations of the included studies, such as small sample sizes and geographical differences, these findings underscore the potential of non-pharmacological strategies in managing dysgeusia. CONCLUSION The results support the integration of these strategies into clinical practice, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to improve patient care. Further research should prioritize rigorous studies to enhance evidence and explore long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Mazzoleni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Gravante
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Unit, Local Health Autority of Caserta, Caserta, Italy
| | - Diego Lopane
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dacomi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Coldani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Tomaiuolo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Cattani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliano Anastasi
- Department of Trauma, AOU G. Martino University Hospital, Messina, Italy
| | - Stefano Mancin
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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Dobrek Ł. A review on the current approaches and perspectives of Covid-19 treatment. POLSKI MERKURIUSZ LEKARSKI : ORGAN POLSKIEGO TOWARZYSTWA LEKARSKIEGO 2024; 52:337-346. [PMID: 39007473 DOI: 10.36740/merkur202403111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
At the beginning of 2020, the world was faced with the challenge of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic announced by the WHO on March 11, caused by the betacoronavirus type 2 of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), which had profound health, sociological and even economic consequences. The quickly implemented and large-scale research resulted in the introduction of widely available vaccines that reduced the further development of the pandemic and antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. Currently, 11 antiviral drugs (Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab, Regdanvimab, Casirivimab/Imdevimab, Sotrovimab, Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir, Remdesivir, Molnupiravir, Baricitinib, Anakinra, Tocilizumab, Vilobelimab) have been approved or conditionally approved by the European Medicines Agency and/or by the Food and Drug Administration and are available on the pharmaceutical market. The progress in the pathophysiological description of the SARS-CoV-2 infection has allowed the identif i cation of potential targets for drugs against SARS-CoV-2: inhibitors of intracellular entry of the virus (the interaction between the viral spike (S) protein and the cellular angiotensin converting enzyme-2; ACE2 receptor), inhibitors of viral and cellular proteases, and immunomodulatory drugs (antagonists of pro-inf l ammatory cytokines or complement components). Novel agents against SARS-CoV-2 are also sought among the previously routinely used drugs as their repositioning and among plant-derived compounds. It is expected that ongoing research should result in the introduction of new drugs used in COVID-19 in the near future. The article brief l y describes the current epidemiological situation regarding COVID-19 and the currently used vaccines. Moreover, the paper outlines currently used and researched potential drugs in the pharmacotherapy of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Dobrek
- FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, JAN DLUGOSZ UNIVERSITY IN CZESTOCHOWA, CZESTOCHOWA, POLAND
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Nehme M, Braillard O, Rodondi PY, Guessous I. Use of complementary medicine and its association with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort study. Swiss Med Wkly 2023; 153:3505. [PMID: 38579302 DOI: 10.57187/s.3505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS OF THE STUDY Patients are increasingly using and requesting complementary medicine therapies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it remains unclear whether they use them in conjunction with conventional medicine or to replace vaccination or other approaches and whether they discuss them with their physicians as part of shared decision-making. This study aimed to evaluate the use and initiation of complementary medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the association between complementary medicine use and COVID-19 vaccination status. METHODS This study is a part of the longitudinal cohort of the CoviCare program, which follows all outpatients tested for COVID-19 at the Geneva University Hospitals. Outpatients tested for COVID-19 were contacted 12 months after their positive or negative test between April and December 2021. Participants were asked about their vaccination status and if they had used complementary medicine in the past 12 months. Complementary medicine use was defined based on a specific list of therapies from which participants could choose the options they had used. Logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, education, profession, severe acute respiratory system coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and pre-existing conditions were used to evaluate the association between being unvaccinated and complementary medicine use. SARS-CoV-2 infection status was evaluated for effect modification in the association between being unvaccinated and complementary medicine use. RESULTS This study enrolled 12,246 individuals (participation proportion = 17.7%). Their mean age was 42.8 years, 59.4% were women, and 63.7% used complementary medicine. Complementary medicine use was higher in women, the middle-aged, and those with a higher education level, a SARS-CoV-2 infection, or pre-existing comorbidities. A third of cases initiated complementary medicine therapies as prevention against COVID-19. Being unvaccinated was associated with complementary medicine use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22 [1.09-1.37]), and more specifically when these therapies were used for COVID-19 prevention (aOR 1.61 [1.22-2.12]). Being unvaccinated was associated with the use of zinc (aOR 2.25 [1.98-2.55]), vitamin D (aOR 1.45 [1.30-1.62]), and vitamin C (aOR 1.59 [1.42-1.78]), and more specifically when these therapies were used for COVID-19 prevention. Only 4% of participants discussed using complementary medicine with their primary care physicians. CONCLUSION While complementary medicine is increasingly used, it is rarely discussed with primary care physicians. Complementary medicine use, especially for COVID-19 prevention, is associated with COVID-19 vaccination status. Communication between physicians, patients, and complementary medicine therapists is encouraged to facilitate a truly holistic approach to making a shared decision based on the best available information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayssam Nehme
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivia Braillard
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Yves Rodondi
- Institute of Family Medicine, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Idris Guessous
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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von Schoen-Angerer T, Manchanda RK, Lloyd I, Wardle J, Szöke J, Benevides I, Martinez NSA, Tolo F, Nicolai T, Skaling-Klopstock C, Parker T, Suswardany DL, van Haselen R, Liu J. Traditional, complementary and integrative healthcare: global stakeholder perspective on WHO's current and future strategy. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013150. [PMID: 38050407 PMCID: PMC10693890 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013150] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As the 'WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy: 2014-2023' is entering its final phase, reflection is warranted on progress and the focus for a new strategy. We used WHO documentation to analyse progress across the objectives of the current strategy, adding the role of traditional, complementary and integrative healthcare (TCIH) to address specific diseases as a dimension absent in the current strategy. Our analysis concludes on five areas. First, TCIH research is increasing but is not commensurate with TCIH use. TCIH research needs prioritisation and increased funding in national research policies and programmes. Second, WHO guidance for training and practice provides useful minimum standards but regulation of TCIH practitioners also need to reflect the different nature of formal and informal practices. Third, there has been progress in the regulation of herbal medicines but TCIH products of other origin still need addressing. A risk-based regulatory approach for the full-range of TCIH products seems appropriate and WHO should provide guidance in this regard. Fourth, the potential of TCIH to help address specific diseases is often overlooked. The development of disease strategies would benefit from considering the evidence and inclusion of TCIH practices, as appropriate. Fifth, inclusion of TCIH in national health policies differs between countries, with some integrating TCIH practices and others seeking to restrict them. We encourage a positive framework in all countries that enshrines the role of TCIH in the achievement of universal health coverage. Finally, we encourage seeking the input of stakeholders in the development of the new WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tido von Schoen-Angerer
- International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations, Brussels, Belgium
- Division of General Pediatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Raj Kumar Manchanda
- Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Delhi, Directorate of Ayush, Delhi, India
| | - Iva Lloyd
- World Naturopathic Federation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jon Wardle
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janka Szöke
- International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Iracema Benevides
- RedePICS Brasil, Brazilian Network of Integrative and Complementary Practices in Healthcare, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Festus Tolo
- Keny Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Tabatha Parker
- Academy of Integrated Health and Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Dwi Linna Suswardany
- Indonesian Public Health Association, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Public Health, University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Jianping Liu
- Center for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Kim SA, Lee JS, Kim T, Kim TH, Kwon S, Kang JW. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for fatigue after COVID-19 infection: study protocol for a pilot randomized sham-controlled trial. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1302793. [PMID: 38033774 PMCID: PMC10684676 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1302793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread globally, its sequelae, called Long COVID, have persisted, troubling patients worldwide. Although fatigue is known to be the most frequent among Long COVID symptoms, its mechanism and treatment have not been clearly demonstrated. In 2022, we conducted a preliminary prospective case series and found that acupuncture and moxibustion were feasible interventions for fatigue. This study is a pilot patient-assessor-blinded randomized sham-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for patients with fatigue that has persisted for at least 4 weeks after recovery from COVID-19. Methods Thirty patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the acupuncture or sham acupuncture treatment groups. Treatment will be conducted thrice a week for both groups during 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the efficacy and safety of acupuncture, including numeric rating scale (NRS), brief fatigue inventory (BFI), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and adverse event evaluation. Secondary outcomes will be evaluation of improvement in the comorbid symptoms of fatigue and feasibility variables. Outcome variables will be assessed before treatment, 4 weeks after treatment, and 8 weeks after treatment completion. Discussion The results of this study will be used to clarify the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for persistent fatigue in patients with Long COVID. Additionally, the feasibility of the study design was validated to provide evidence for future full-scale randomized controlled trials.Clinical trial registration: identifier: KCT0008656 https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?seq=24785&search_page=L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-A. Kim
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Su Lee
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Taegon Kim
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hun Kim
- Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunoh Kwon
- Korean Medicine Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Won Kang
- Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Omarova I, Akanova A, Kurmanova A, Kurmanova G, Glushkova N, Seidanova A, Turysbekov K. Acupuncture as an Additional Method of Rehabilitation Post-COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial. J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26:238-246. [PMID: 37799621 PMCID: PMC10547817 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2023.26.3.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of complex rehabilitation with and without acupuncture in a hospital setting. Methods A randomized clinical trial was performed at Rehabilitation center "Kamenskoe Plato" in Almaty, Kazakhstan. 160 patients with Post COVID-19 condition were randomly equally divided into an acupuncture with complex rehabilitation methods and a only complex rehabilitation methods group in the period from March 1, 2022 to July 1, 2022. Either groups was performed for an 10-14 days period. The outcome measures were the Bartel index, the Borg scale, Modified Dyspnea Scale and the 6-minute walking test. Adverse events also were monitored and documented. Results We found statistically significant improvement after the rehabilitation course with acupuncture in the all scales. And in the group without acupuncture, only on two scales MDS and Borg scale. Conclusion Rehabilitation with acupuncture is possible and effective in patients recovering from post-COVID-19. Our findings may be useful to guide clinicians taking care of patients with post-COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira Omarova
- Faculty of Medicine, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
- Department of Clinical Subjects at High School of Medicine at Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Assiya Akanova
- Department of Clinical Subjects at High School of Medicine at Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Almagul Kurmanova
- Department of Clinical Subjects at High School of Medicine at Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Gaukhar Kurmanova
- Department of Clinical Subjects at High School of Medicine at Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Natalya Glushkova
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Evidence Based Medicine, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Amina Seidanova
- Department of Rehabilitation of the City Clinical Hospital №1, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
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Banerjee A, Somasundaram I, Das D, Jain Manoj S, Banu H, Mitta Suresh P, Paul S, Bisgin A, Zhang H, Sun XF, Duttaroy AK, Pathak S. Functional Foods: A Promising Strategy for Restoring Gut Microbiota Diversity Impacted by SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112631. [PMID: 37299594 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural herbs and functional foods contain bioactive molecules capable of augmenting the immune system and mediating anti-viral functions. Functional foods, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary fibers, have been shown to have positive effects on gut microbiota diversity and immune function. The use of functional foods has been linked to enhanced immunity, regeneration, improved cognitive function, maintenance of gut microbiota, and significant improvement in overall health. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and immune function, and disruptions to its balance have been linked to various health problems. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to affect gut microbiota diversity, and the emergence of variants poses new challenges to combat the virus. SARS-CoV-2 recognizes and infects human cells through ACE2 receptors prevalent in lung and gut epithelial cells. Humans are prone to SARS-CoV-2 infection because their respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are rich in microbial diversity and contain high levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. This review article explores the potential use of functional foods in mitigating the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on gut microbiota diversity, and the potential use of functional foods as a strategy to combat these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antara Banerjee
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Indumathi Somasundaram
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kolhapur Institute of Technology's College of Engineering, Kolhapur 416012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Diptimayee Das
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Samatha Jain Manoj
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Husaina Banu
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Pavane Mitta Suresh
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sujay Paul
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Queretaro, San Pablo 76130, Mexico
| | - Atil Bisgin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical Faculty, Cukurova University, Adana 01250, Turkey
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Orebro University, SE-701 82 Orebro, Sweden
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- Division of Ocology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linkoping University, SE-581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Asim K Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0313 Oslo, Norway
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
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Ostermann T. On Moving House, Dachshunds, Preferences, Dictators, and Health Economics. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2022; 28:909-910. [PMID: 36409526 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.29112.editorial] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ostermann
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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Bulatova N, Younes S, Arabiyat M, Abukaff A, Madanat S, Alqudah E, Hamati A, Halawa F, Younes A. Use of traditional and complementary medicine for COVID 19 prophylaxis among healthcare professionals and students in Jordan: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276015. [PMID: 36264917 PMCID: PMC9584517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is inadequate evidence to recommend the use of any traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) methods such as vitamin, mineral, herbal or other dietary supplements to prevent or treat COVID 19. Members of the medical team are particularly at risk of exposure to high viral load of coronavirus. They have also the best access to professional information regarding disease treatment and prophylaxis and disseminate such knowledge. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of use of T&CM for the prophylaxis of COVID 19 among the healthcare professionals and students in Jordan, along with the most common types and the factors associated with T&CM use. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study of T&CM use was conducted in Jordan using a snowball sampling method to distribute Google Forms and to enrol participants during coronavirus outbreak between June 10, 2021, and August 28, 2021. The study included healthcare professionals or students who consented to participate in the survey. The survey excluded those participants who had filled the questionnaire at least once or were pregnant/breast-feeding at the time of the study. The questionnaire consisted of 29 items, including screening, checkbox, dichotomous, matrix and open-ended questions. RESULTS The response rate was 97.1%. Out of 560 study respondents, 359 (64.1%) reported using T&CM for COVID 19 prevention. Vitamins and nutrients were consumed by almost half (48.4%) of study participants, while nonpharmacological methods and herbal remedies were consumed by 35.2% and 25.2%, respectively. The most common source of information regarding T&CM use for COVID 19 prophylaxis included scientific publications (59.5%), followed by disease treatment guidelines (38.0%) and social media (32.3%). Adverse effects were reported by 8.5% and possible adverse effects were reported by another 8.5% of participants. The T&CM use was associated with working in contact with COVID 19 patients (OR: 1.625 (95% CI 1.047-2.523) (P = 0.03) and having a colleague as a source of information (OR: 1.720 (95% CI 1.026-2.883) (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of T&CM use for COVID 19 prevention among healthcare professionals and students in Jordan is high, with a significant proportion of participants reporting adverse effects. There is an urgent need for further research toward efficacy and safety of T&CM in COVID 19 prophylaxis as well as development of appropriate public health policy on this issue specific to each country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nailya Bulatova
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan,* E-mail:
| | - Sara Younes
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Majd Arabiyat
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Abukaff
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sara Madanat
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eman Alqudah
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Anoud Hamati
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Farah Halawa
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Tarus HA, Yalazı RÖ, Karadeniz H, Can Gürkan Ö. Traditional and Complementary Medicines Methods Used by Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19. Complement Med Res 2022; 30:19-25. [PMID: 36198258 PMCID: PMC9892993 DOI: 10.1159/000527311] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to determine traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) methods used by patients before and after being diagnosed with COVID-19. METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between 27 March 2021 and 2 July 2021, in the community health services unit of Düzce Province, Central District, in the western Black Sea region. 547 people participated in the study. Two forms prepared by the researchers, the "Participant Identification Form" and the "Assessment Form for the Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Methods," were used to collect the data. RESULTS Before the diagnosis of COVID-19, patients reported that they consumed the highest rate of medicinal plants (56.1%) and fruits (40.4%) and prayed (40.4%) to prevent disease. After the diagnosis of COVID-19, they stated that they consumed the highest percentage of medicinal plants (68.4%) and fruit (53.0%) and prayed (48.4%) to reduce disease symptoms. It was seen that herbal products/herbal mixtures (medicinal plants [p < 0.001], fruits [p < 0.001], and fruit vinegars [p < 0.001]), and T&CM methods such as supplements like C, E, D, and other vitamins (p < 0.001), prayer (p < 0.001), massage (p < 0.001), and apitherapy (p < 0.001) were found to be statistically significant after COVID-19 diagnosis compared to before. CONCLUSION In this study, it was determined that the patients often used T&CM methods such as herbal products (especially medicinal plants and fruits) and prayer before and after COVID-19 diagnosis, and the use of these T&CM methods increased significantly after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamide Arslan Tarus
- Division of Nursing, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey,
| | - Rüveyda Ölmez Yalazı
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey,Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Hilal Karadeniz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey,Division of Nursing, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Düzce University, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Özlem Can Gürkan
- Division of Nursing, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey,*Özlem Can Gürkan,
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