A complementary alternative medicine questionnaire for young adults

Predictors of complementary and alternative medicine usage in undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Stress is a health-compromising issue for undergraduate students that has only seemed to worsen during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most universities offer traditional medicinal treatments, prior research has suggested that some students prefer to utilize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to cope with stress and illness. Given the growing popularity of CAM in the undergraduate population, the current study aimed to better understand the patterns underlying CAM usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. In our study, we examined whether individual difference variables such as the Big Five personality traits and perceived health locus of control as well as constructs like perceived stress predict CAM usage in undergraduates. Implications as well as suggestions for future studies are discussed.

Exploring the Use of Traditional Medicines, Natural Health Products and Conventional Medicines: Development and Testing of the New Zealand 'All-Medicines' Questionnaire

INTRODUCTION

Traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) are popular healthcare choices among consumers globally. The latest national data on the use of TCAM practitioners in New Zealand (NZ) were collected over a decade ago. Robust data on the use of natural health products (NHPs) and TCAM practices alongside conventional medicines are not yet available in NZ.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to develop and test a bespoke questionnaire (All-MedsNZ) that included comprehensive data collection elements exploring NHPs' and conventional medicines' use.

METHODS

This was a questionnaire design study involving expert panel feedback, and engagement with TCAM users, in the development process. This work comprised questionnaire development (stage 1) followed by a questionnaire-testing study (stage 2). The questionnaire was developed on the basis of literature review findings and the research team's expertise. The questionnaire content was then validated by an expert panel comprising practitioners in TCAM and conventional medicine. Then, a two-phase study was utilised to test the questionnaire. Phase 1 involved participants (NHP users) completing the web-based questionnaire and providing feedback by answering probing questions added throughout the questionnaire to evaluate users' comprehension of the questions and to identify issues with the questionnaire. In phase 2, selected participants were interviewed online to gain in-depth insights into issues identified in phase one. Based on these findings, the questionnaire was revised.

RESULTS

The expert panel (n = 9) confirmed the questionnaire had high face and content validity; most original questions were retained. In the questionnaire-testing study, 95 and 27 participants completed the phase 1 and 2 studies, respectively. Most questions achieved a high response rate of ≥ 90%, and participants had no major issues understanding and answering the questionnaire. Problematic questions were those relating to providing product barcodes and photographs, and information on product costs. Most of the NHPs data entered by participants included the brand/generic name, manufacturer/company name, main ingredient(s) and dose form. Generally, these NHP-related data were of acceptable quality. However, information on the main ingredient(s) of products entered by participants was less satisfactory: approximately one-third of the 143 NHPs recorded in the study had the main ingredient(s) missing or incorrectly stated. Interviews with participants reiterated the issues identified in the phase 1 study. The low response rates for some of the questions were partly due to participants' unpreparedness (i.e. not having NHPs/medicines on hand) to complete the questionnaire. In addition, a lack of clarity for the term 'natural health practitioner' led to confusion among some participants.

CONCLUSION

Overall, no major design-, method- or questionnaire-related issues were identified in this development and testing work. The questionnaire demonstrated adequate face and content validity and acceptability among participants. The data collected were reasonably complete and of sufficient quality for analysis. Future studies should pilot the revised All-MedsNZ questionnaire with a larger, nationally representative sample to ascertain its feasibility and utility.

Determining patient preferences for the medical management of osteoporosis using conjoint analysis

We used conjoint analysis-a method that assesses complex decision making-to quantify patients' choices when selecting an osteoporosis therapy. While 60% of people prioritized medication efficacy when deciding among treatments, the remaining 40% highly valued factors other than efficacy, suggesting the need for personalized shared decision-making tools.

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we aimed to examine patient decision-making surrounding osteoporosis medications using conjoint analysis.

METHODS

We enrolled osteoporosis patients at an academic medical center to complete an online conjoint exercise which calculated each patient's relative importance score of 6 osteoporosis medication attributes (higher = greater relative importance in decision-making). We used latent class analysis to identify distinct segments of patients with similar choice patterns and then used logistic regression to determine if demographics and osteoporosis disease features were associated with latent class assignment.

RESULTS

Overall, 304 participants completed the survey. The rank order of medication attributes by importance score was the following: efficacy at preventing hip fractures (accounted for 31.0% of decision making), mode of administration (17.5%); risk of serious side effects (16.6%); dose frequency (13.9%); efficacy at preventing spine fractures (12.5%); risk of non-serious side effects (8.4%). We found that 60.9% of the cohort prioritized medication efficacy as their top factor when selecting among the therapies. Being a college graduate, having stronger beliefs on the necessity of using medications for osteoporosis, and never having used osteoporosis medicines were the only factors associated with prioritizing medication efficacy for fracture prevention over the other factors in the decision-making process.

CONCLUSIONS

While about 60% of patients prioritized efficacy when selecting an osteoporosis therapy, the remaining 40% valued other factors more highly. Furthermore, individual patient characteristics and clinical factors did not reliably predict patient decision making, suggesting that development and implementation of shared decision-making tools is warranted.

Diversity of attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and vaccines: A representative cross-sectional study in France

How much does endorsement of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) correlate with negative attitudes towards vaccines? One of the difficulties of analysing the relationship between attitudes to CAM and attitudes towards vaccines rests in the complexity of both. Which form of CAM endorsement is associated with what type of reticence towards vaccines? While the literature on the relationship between CAM and attitudes towards vaccines is growing, this question has not yet been explored. In this study we present the results of a survey conducted in July 2021 among a representative sample of the French mainland adult population (n = 3087). Using cluster analysis, we identified five profiles of CAM attitudes and found that even among the most pro-CAM group, very few respondents disagreed with the idea that CAM should only be used as a complement to conventional medicine. We then compared these CAM attitudes to vaccine attitudes. Attitudes to CAM had a distinct impact as well as a combined effect on attitudes to different vaccines and vaccines in general. However, we also found a) that attitudes to CAM provide a very limited explanation of vaccine hesitancy and b) that, among the hesitant, pro-CAM attitudes are often combined with other traits associated with vaccine hesitancy such as distrust of health agencies, radical political preferences and low income. Indeed, we found that both CAM endorsement and vaccine hesitancy are more prevalent among the socially disadvantaged. Drawing on these results, we argue that, to better understand the relationship between CAM and vaccine hesitancy, it is necessary to look at how both can reflect lack of access and recourse to mainstream medicine and distrust of public institutions.

International college students' perceptions on complementary and alternative medical practices

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the complementary and alternative medicinal (CAM) choices of international college students in the U.S.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 192 international college students participated in this study.

METHODS

Participants completed a survey with demographic and background information, such as gender, age, years living in the U.S., country of origin, cultural and religious influences on health decision-making, CAM usage, and the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs Inventory (CAMBI).

RESULTS

Results showed that there was a significant difference in CAMBI scores and age groups with those in the age groups of 20-29 and 30+ having higher CAMBI scores than those in the 18-19 age group. Participants had high scores on the CAMBI.

CONCLUSION

Overall, participants showed a wide range of CAM usage with most participants indicating a need for CAM options on university campuses.

Development of a nursing assessment form for patients with diabetes mellitus in a hospital: A research and development study

Background

People with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) tend to seek herbal medicine or complementary drugs in their treatments. But, unfortunately, the existing nursing assessment forms have not prepared the format for the use of complementary medicine.

Objective

This study aimed to develop a nursing assessment form in patients with DM based on the Chronic Care Model (CCM) approach.

Methods

This study employed a Research and Development study design, which consists of ten stages. The nursing assessment form was developed based on CCM theory and integrated complementary medicines into the assessment form. A content validity test was done by four experts and calculated using Aiken's V formula. Face validity among 12 nurses through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was also employed to test the quality of the nursing assessment form based on three aspects: functionality, efficiency, and usability. In addition, nine nurses were included for pilot testing of the form. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis.

Results

The nursing assessment form demonstrated a good content validity, with Aiken's V value of 0.94. The form was categorized based on four components of CCM: self-management support, decision support, social activities, and clinical information. Additionally, all nurses could fill the form properly.

Conclusion

The nursing assessment form is valid. It can be used for nurses to assess patients with DM based on the CCM with an additional component to evaluate the use of complementary medicine.

Complementary and alternative medicine in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma-A SIOPE DIPG Network and Registry study

INTRODUCTION

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare and aggressive childhood brainstem malignancy with a 2-year survival rate of <10%. This international survey study aims to evaluate the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in this patient population.

METHODS

Parents and physicians of patients with DIPG were asked to participate in a retrospective online survey regarding CAM use during time of illness.

RESULTS

Between January and May 2020, 120 parents and 75 physicians contributed to the online survey. Most physicians estimated that <50% of their patients used CAM, whereas 69% of the parents reported using CAM to treat their child during time of illness. Cannabis was the most frequently used form of CAM, followed by vitamins and minerals, melatonin, curcumin, and boswellic acid. CAM was mainly used with the intention of direct antitumor effect. Other motivations were to treat side effects of chemotherapy or to increase comfort of the child. Children diagnosed from 2016 onwards were more likely to use CAM (χ²  = 6.08, p = .014). No significant difference was found between CAM users and nonusers based on ethnicity (χ²  = 4.18, p = .382) or country of residence (χ²  = 9.37, p = .154). Almost 50% of the physicians do not frequently ask their patients about possible CAM use.

CONCLUSION

This survey demonstrates that worldwide, a considerable number of patients with DIPG use CAM. Physicians should be more aware of potential CAM use and actively discuss the topic. In addition, more research is needed to gain knowledge about possible anticancer effects of CAM and (positive/negative) interactions with conventional therapies.

Impact of complementary and alternative medicines on antiepileptic medication adherence among epilepsy patients

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and its impact on antiepileptic drug (AED) adherence among patients with epilepsy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 epilepsy patients, aged 18 years or older that did not have any physical or psychiatric illness. A patient-administered questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge, attitude towards, practice, and perceived effectiveness (KAPP) of CAM. Established adherence assessment tools were used to determine patient medication adherence.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CAM usage was found to be at 58%. CAM was used more frequently by males (n = 32, 60.4%) than by females (n = 26, 55.3%; p = 0.609). The most commonly used CAM included vitamins and minerals (36%), ginseng (16%), antioxidants (15%), and acupuncture (12%). A significant number of patients had low knowledge of (59%) and a positive attitude (54%) toward complementary and alternative medicine. Main reasons for using CAM were a lower price, better availability, and inadequate seizure control by AEDs. About 43% of the patients who used CAM informed their doctor. Prevalence of non-adherence to AED therapy was found to be 68%. A significant association was found between non-adherence and CAM usage (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of CAM usage and non-adherence to AEDs among epilepsy patients was identified. CAM usage was associated with a non-adherence to AED therapy. This study highlights the need to explore CAM usage with patients before making clinical decisions to achieve the best outcomes from AED therapy.

Child Pain Intensity and Parental Attitudes toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine Predict Post-Tonsillectomy Analgesic Use

Parental attitudes regarding pain interventions and perceptions of their child's pain intensity likely influence the decision to administer postoperative analgesics. Our study examined the impact of daily fluctuations in child pain intensity and parental attitudes regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) on analgesic administration following pediatric tonsillectomy. Parents of children undergoing tonsillectomy (n = 33) completed a survey assessing CAM attitudes and a 7-day postoperative electronic daily diary to record their child's daily pain intensity and analgesic medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or oxycodone). Generalized linear mixed models with Poisson distributions evaluated the effects of within-person (child's daily pain intensity) and between-person (average postoperative pain, parental CAM attitudes) components on the number of medication doses administered. Higher daily pain intensity was associated with more oxycodone doses administered on a given day, but not acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Positive parental CAM attitudes were associated with less oxycodone use, beyond the variations accounted for by the child's daily pain intensity and average postoperative pain. Both parental CAM attitudes and their child's daily pain intensity were independently associated with parental decisions to administer opioids following tonsillectomy. Understanding factors influencing individual variability in analgesic use could help optimize children's postoperative pain management.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among ischemic stroke survivors in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and pattern of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and the CAM types used by stroke patients in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 152 ischemic stroke survivors who visited King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between January 2018 and December 2019. Phone-based and face-to-face surveys were conducted. Data on the patients` demographic characteristics, their use of CAM, and their pattern of CAM use were gathered.

RESULTS

Ninety (59.2%) stroke patients used CAM, mainly cauterization (29.61%) and Quran recitation by a religious sheik (28.95%). Most of the patients (72.22%) used CAM post-hospitalization and within less than one month from stroke onset (62.22%). A minority (6.67%) of the patients stopped their medication while on CAM. Some patients (25.56% to 31.11%) discussed with their physician their use of CAM. The CAM users reported a subjective improvement in their physical weakness (45.6%) and psychological wellbeing (62.2%). The patients learned about CAM mainly from their relatives and friends (96.7%), and the most common reason for their CAM use was their belief in this intervention (42.22%).

CONCLUSION

The CAM use was prevalent among our cohort of Saudi ischemic stroke patients, and cauterization and Quran recitation were the most commonly used CAM interventions. An effective communication was lacking between the medical professionals and the stroke patients as regards CAM use despite the interest of the patients in this intervention.

Gender Differences in Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among a Non-urban, Malaysian Population

The choice to take-up specific complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities is influenced by many factors including cultural background, experience and peer-participation. In this study we investigated the beliefs and attitudes that contributed to CAM choices in a non-urban Malaysian population (N = 700). We found significant differences in the beliefs held by men and women in this population. Specifically, women believed more strongly than men that CAM providers offered healthy lifestyle advice (p = 0.042) and that those who were averse to discomfort from conventional treatments were more likely to take up CAM (p = 0.016). In addition, those individuals who chose to use CAM more strongly believed that CAM products were more healthy than conventional treatments (p = 0.002), that their effects were well understood (p = 0.002) and that CAM products worked with the body (p = 0.017). The data obtained in this study emphasize the lessons that can be learned by conventional healthcare providers in communicating the benefits of treatments to their patients. CAM users also believed that CAM products never caused harm (p = 0.007), which is a concern given that the modes of action of some CAM modalities and their interaction with prescribed treatments are not always well understood.

A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in a Non-urban Malaysian Population

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies have been an integral part of Malaysia culture for many centuries. In recent years influences from other parts of the world have gained a foot-hold in Malaysian popular culture. We investigated the engagement with CAM in a non-urban, Malaysian population. We investigated the association of CAM use with cultural influence, perceived health status, gender and age. We recruited 700 adult participants to this study across three sites in central Malaysia. We found massage, Vitamin supplements, Herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine to be the most popular CAM modalities with participation at 67.7%, 55.7%, 55.5% and 26.3% respectively. CAM use was equally high at 67% among those people who claimed a predominantly Malay or Chinese cultural influence. The use of vitamins and participation in yoga were at higher prevalence among female participants compared to males. There was no gender difference for other CAM modalities. There were differences between age groups for most CAM modalities, and those over 50 years tended to be the highest frequency users for most modalities. There is a high rate of CAM use in non-urban Malaysia with younger people being more engaged with less traditional modalities such as aromatherapy, yoga and music therapy.

Use of traditional and complementary medicine for musculoskeletal diseases

Background/aim

We aimed to determine the prevalence of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) use among patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and to examine the methods used, frequency, and experienced benefits of therapies; the reasons for using TCM; and the sources of information about therapies. We also compared demographic characteristics of users and nonusers of TCM.

Materials and methods

The descriptive study was conducted with 839 patients who attended the physical therapy and rehabilitation units of 3 public hospitals between September 2014 and March 2015. A self-administered questionnaire including demographic characteristics, medical history, and details of TCM use was applied.

Results

Of the 839 individuals in the study (592 female, 247 male; mean age 48.9 ± 13.0 years), 35.4% reported using TCM. There was no significant statistical difference between users and nonusers in terms of age, gender, body mass index, socioeconomic status, or educational level (P > 0.05). The disease duration of TCM users was significantly higher than that of nonusers (P < 0.05). The most commonly used TCM methods were balneotherapy (31%), herbal therapies (30%), wet cupping (22.2%), and massage-manipulation methods (21.2%). Of TCM users, 75.1% were satisfied.

Conclusion

The prevalence of TCM use and satisfaction levels are high in patients with MSDs. Physicians should be well informed about TCM methods and raise the awareness of patients to prevent improper use of TCM.

Understanding CAM Use in Lebanon: Findings from a National Survey

The main objective of this study was to identify predictors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use in Lebanon. Data for this study were drawn from a national survey conducted among Lebanese adults (n=1500). A modified version of the Social Behavioral Model (SBM) was used to understand CAM use in the study population. In this version, predisposing factors included sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, education, and employment) and Push and Pull factors. Additionally, enabling resources included income, and medical need encompassed presence of chronic disease and perceived health status. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the predictors of CAM use in the study population. Results of the multiple logistic regression showed that younger and older adults were less likely to use CAM as compared to middle-aged respondents. The Push factor "dissatisfaction with conventional medicine" was associated with higher odds of CAM use. For three of the six Pull factors, compared to participants who strongly disagreed, those who had a tendency of taking care of one's health were more likely to use CAM. Income and presence of chronic disease were also associated with higher odds of CAM use. The findings of this study affirmed the utility of the SBM in explaining the use of CAM and proposed a new version of this model, whereby the Push and Pull factors are integrated within the predisposing factors of this model.

Assessment of Perception, Experience, and Information-seeking Behavior of the Public of Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, Toward Usage and Safety of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to identify the different types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used, reasons for the use of CAM, and the perceptions, experience, and information seeking-behavior toward usage and safety of CAM by the general public of Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective cross-sectional study. A validated, self-administered, or interviewer-assisted survey questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data from 403 respondents satisfying inclusion criteria were collected and were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24.0.

RESULTS

A majority of the respondents (218 [54.1%]) were females. The most commonly (210 [52.1%]) used CAM among the study respondents was herbal medicine. A total of 91 (22.6%) of the survey respondents mentioned that they receive conventional medications along with their CAM. Majority (213 [52.9%]) of the survey respondents opted for CAM to prevent illness. Good number (208 [51.6%]) of the survey respondents mentioned that CAM usage was beneficial in improving their health condition, and they (216 [53.6%]) do believe it as safe and effective. However, a small group (26 [6%]) of respondents reported side effects or complications with the use of CAM.

CONCLUSION

Widespread use of CAM for different medical problems was evident in our study. Although majority of the CAM users believe it as safe and effective, CAM usage should be discussed with the health-care providers to understand the safety issues involved in the use of majority of CAM.

The clinical factors associated with benefit finding of complementary medicine use in patients with back pain: A cross-sectional study with cluster analysis

BACKGROUND

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has been increasing.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the factors associated with perceived benefit from CAM methods in back problems.

METHODS

The study was conducted on patients who practiced any CAM methods due to complaints of back pain. Social-demographic properties, details of CAM methods employed were questioned. Severity of pain was measured by visual analog scale (VAS); benefits were evaluated by the Likert scale. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to discover relationships among variables.

RESULTS

In total, 500 patients (265 female, 235 male) were included in the study. Mostly used methods were herbal therapy (32%), balneotherapy (31%), cupping (19.4%) and massage-manipulation (19.2%). Of patients, 355 (71%) were satisfied. The variables associated with benefit finding were female gender, age, chronicity and severity of pain, high educational level, upper middle income status, use as a result of recommendation, dissatisfaction with conventional methods, residence in an urban area, non-herbal method use, being married, and social insurance (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients using CAM perceived benefits; in particular, women living in urban areas, highly educated, aged more than 40, who suffer from severe chronic back pain, may be more inclined to go to CAM therapists.

BELIEFS AND ATTITUDES OF PARAMEDICAL COLLEGE STAFF TOWARDS COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATE MEDICINE

Background:

Complementary and alternate medicine (CAM) has been defined as a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products not presently considered part of conventional medicine (CM). Studies in different countries have revealed a geographical difference in the knowledge about CAM therapies, especially among medical school staff and students. This study aimed to assess the extent of CAM use among staff working in paramedical colleges in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia and to examine their perception and attitudes towards such medicines.

Materials and methods:

Eighty paramedical staff members of different age groups and specializations were invited to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire adapted from similar studies was used in this study.

Results:

The response rate was 99%. The majority of respondents (56%) reported believing that CAM therapies play an important complementary role to the action ofCM.

Conclusion:

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to assess peoples’ attitudes towards CAM use in the region. As the use of healing practices outside of CM rise among patients, ignorance of CAM by future medical practitioners can cause a communication gap between people and the profession that serves them. It is encouraging that the majority of medical staff in this study recognizes and is enthusiastic to rectify this lack of knowledge.

List of Non-Standard Abbreviations: CAM: Complementary and alternate medicine; CM: Conventional medicine

Association between belief and attitude toward preference of complementary alternative medicine use

BACKGROUND

There is a steep increase in the consumer use of complementary alternative medicine (CAM), with many users unaware of the need to inform their health care providers. Various predictors including psychosocial factors such as beliefs and behavior have been accounted for preference toward CAM use, with varying results.

METHODS

This study investigates the belief and attitude regarding preference toward CAM use among the Malaysian population by using a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

A large majority of the 1,009 respondents admitted to taking at least one type of CAM (n=730, 72.3%). Only 20 (1.9%) respondents were found to have negative beliefs (total score <35), 4 (0.4%) respondents had neutral beliefs (total score =35), and 985 (97.6%) respondents had positive belief toward CAM (total score >36). A total of 507 (50.2%) respondents were categorized as having a negative CAM attitude, while 502 (49.8%) respondents were categorized as having a positive CAM attitude. It was demonstrated that there was a positive correlation between belief and attitude score (ρ=0.409, P<0.001). Therefore, the higher the belief in CAM, the more positive the attitude was toward CAM. Those who were using CAM showed a stronger belief (P=0.002), with a more positive attitude (P<0.001) toward it, than those who were not using CAM.

CONCLUSION

Identifying belief regarding preference toward CAM use among the public could potentially reveal those with a higher tendency to use CAM. This is important as not everyone feels the need to reveal the use of CAM to their health care providers, which could lead to serious repercussions such as interactions and adverse effects.

Prevalence and modes of complementary and alternative medicine use among peasant farmers with musculoskeletal pain in a rural community in South-Western Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Anecdotally, use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Musculoskeletal Pain (MSP) is common in Nigeria; however, there seems to be a dearth of empirical data on its prevalence and mode of use. This study investigated the prevalence and modes of use of CAM for MSP among farmers in a rural community in South-western Nigeria.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey employed multistage sampling technique guidelines for conducting community survey by the World Health Organization among rural community farmers in Gudugbu village, Oyo State, Nigeria. A questionnaire developed from previous studies and validated by expert reviews was used to assess prevalence and modes of CAM use. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 230 consenting rural farmers volunteered for this study with a valid response rate of 93.9 % (n = 216). The lifetime, 12-month and point prevalence of CAM for MSP was 96.8 % respectively. Herbal therapy and massage were the predominant types of CAM therapies among previous (83.8 and 80.1 %) and current CAM users (37.5 and 37.5 %). CAM was largely used as sole therapy for MSP (75.5 %) and also in combination with orthodox medicine (23.6 %), and it is consumed on daily basis (21.8 %). CAM was perceived to be very good in maintaining a healthy life (87.1 %) and has less side effects (74 %) and more healthy than taking doctors' prescriptions (63.4 %).

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of CAM among Nigerian rural farmers. The most commonly employed CAM for MSP were herbal remedies and massage which are attributable to beliefs on their perceived efficacy.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among youth with juvenile arthritis: are youth using CAM, but not talking about it?

PURPOSE

To examine self-reported use and correlates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in adolescents with juvenile arthritis (JA).

METHODS

One hundred thirty-four adolescents with JA completed an online survey of their use of, interest in, and discussions about CAM. The PedsQL 4.0 SF15 assessed quality of life.

RESULTS

The majority (72%) of youth reported using ≥1 CAM modality. Use did not differ by sex, age, race, or geographic location. The most commonly used CAM modalities were yoga (45%) and meditation, relaxation, or guided imagery (40%). Low psychosocial quality of life was associated with massage and meditation, relaxation, or guided imagery use (p < .05). Only 46% of youth reported discussing CAM with a health care provider. Nonusers were most interested in learning more about massage (79%) and yoga (57%).

CONCLUSIONS

Youth with JA reported high use of CAM, but few discussed CAM with health care providers. Findings suggest practitioners should engage adolescents in discussions about CAM.

Perceptions of the Muslim religious leaders and their attitudes on herbal medicine in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Herbal Medicines (HMs) are playing major roles in the health of the millions of people worldwide. Muslim Religious Leader (MRLs), being an important component of the society with huge influence on it, could contribute a lot to promote HM. This study was aimed at evaluating perceptions of the MRLs, their satisfaction and attitudes towards HM in Bangladesh.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study collected data from a purposive sample of 503 MRLs using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire during December 2010 and January 2011. Main outcome measures included sociodemographic variables, MRLs' preferences in using HMs, their satisfaction and intent to use HMs in the future, and finally MRLs' attitudes toward HM use.

RESULTS

Although two-fifth (40.4%) of the MRLs preferred HM among different form of complementary and alternative medicines, they used orthodox medicine (OM) more frequently than HM in last one year. Majority believed that HM was effective for all age groups (52.6%) and both sexes (74.5%). One-third felt that HM was more effective for chronic diseases, 68.5% felt that it only promotes health, and 40.8% said it keeps them relaxed. About 98.0% of the respondents experienced 'no harm' but 'benefit' from HM; naturally, they were satisfied with HM and were willing to recommend it to others. Urban, older (>40 years), and 'single' respondents were more likely to use HM (gender and education adjusted odds ratios = 1.7 [95% confidence interval, CI = 1.1-2.6], 1.9 [95% CI = 1.3-3.0], and 1.6 [95% CI = 1.2-2.1], respectively). Overall, respondents exhibited very positive attitude towards HM with mean score of 4.2 (range, 3.7-4.6) of a 5-point Likert scale (Score 5 for strongly agree to 1 for strongly disagree).

CONCLUSIONS

We report adequate perceptions, satisfaction, and very positive attitudes towards HM among MRLs. Mass media had a significant contribution towards its promotion. If HM are to assume a respected place in the contemporary healthcare, its acceptance among general population needs to be established through incorporating MRLs in the process of HM promotion in Bangladesh.