Belief In Alternative Medicine Research Articles

Patients’ trust in the Indian healthcare system and its impact on the intention to use artificial intelligence-based healthcare chatbots

Purpose Indian patients have different medicine systems available at the service that alter their healthseeking behaviour (HSB). This study aims to examine the beliefs and behaviour of patients in India towards the healthcare system and how it affects their intention to use healthcare chatbots. Design/methodology/approach A survey instrument was developed from standard scales and validated by experts. The data was collected from 397 respondents in an urban area and tested using a structural equation model in SAS JMP software. Findings The study found that awareness and perception of chatbots and distrust on doctors and health systems impact trust in a chatbot. The results show that trust in chatbots influences the intention to use chatbots. The belief in alternative medicine systems and HSB also influence the intention to use chatbots. The study findings also imply that health-care chatbots should cater to HSB and the belief in alternative medicine. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted only among the urban population because services based on technology are more available in metro cities. Bengaluru is considered the representative population of urban India. Practical implications The level of disruption that chatbots can provide to the healthcare system makes this study significant. The study findings will help to manage the factors that can enable chatbot inclusivity, as the current system is inaccessible to many patients. Originality/value This paper addresses an identified need to study patients’ trust in the Indian healthcare system and their intention to use chatbots. The level of disruptions these chatbots can cause in the health-care system is undeniable and patients’ trust in these chatbots will eventually transform the health-care sector.

TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE BELIEFS INVENTORY IN ADULTS: A METHODOLOGICAL STUDY

Aims: This study was conducted to establish the Turkish validity and reliability of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs Inventory (CAMBI) used to measure adults' beliefs about complementary and alternative medicine practices. Methods: The study was designed as a methodological study. The population of the study consisted of individuals receiving services from a family health center in Ankara. The sample consisted of 354 individuals who agreed to participate in the study and met the inclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics (number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum) of the data obtained in the study were calculated. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were conducted to test validity. The reliability of the scale was assessed through item-total correlation, item analysis, Cronbach α, and test-retest correlation. Results: The results of the Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed that there is only one factor with an eigenvalue above 1, explaining 73.11% of the total variance. Additionally, fit indices obtained from the results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis yielded a χ2/df fit index of 3.214, a Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) of 0.079, a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.901, and an Adjusted Goodness-of-Fit Index (AGFI) of 0.854. The Cronbach’s α value of the scale in our study was 0.97. Conclusion: The adapted Turkish version of the 16-item scale has been determined to be a measurement tool that adheres to validity and reliability criteria. It serves as an assessment instrument usable by healthcare professionals to evaluate adult individuals' beliefs regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods.

Who Beliefs in Alternative Medicine?

Who Beliefs in Alternative Medicine?

Eksplorasi Pengaruh Pandemi COVID-19 Terhadap Diagnostic Delay Dan Treatment Delay Pada Pasien Kanker Payudara

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on health services for breast cancer patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were new government regulations, namely PSBB or large-scale social restrictions. During the PSBB, activities in public facilities are limited to only urgent interests. Therefore, breast cancer patients have difficulties during examination and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The obstacles for breast cancer patients are difficulties in mobilizing to the hospital, health protocol regulations such as maintaining distance, discomfort when wearing masks and swabs before treatment, the emergence of fear and anxiety, expensive transportation costs during examination and treatment, and psychological disorders. So the impact is delay in examination (diagnostic delay) and delay in treatment (treatment delay) of breast cancer patients. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with an in-depth interview approach that is guided by semi-structured questions and triangulates the perspectives of patients, patients' families, and health workers. The study was conducted from November 2021 to August 2022. The sample used was 27 respondents by purposive sampling. Analysis using condensed text system. There are breast cancer patients who express fear of seeking treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the increasing number of pandemic cases and the stigma of being "covided". However, there are patients who express that they are not afraid to seek treatment during the pandemic because they have an optimistic and strong faith. Patients have problems seeking treatment during the pandemic due swab before treatment, feeling uncomfortable when wearing a mask, and transportation costs constraints. Patients experience diagnostic and treatment delays during the pandemic due to fear of being infected with the corona virus, lack of knowledge about symptoms and treatment of breast cancer, belief in alternative medicine, shyness to carry out initial examinations, fear of medical action, and queue lists. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there are internal and external factors that influence the COVID-19 pandemic on diagnostic delay and treatment delay in breast cancer patients

The relationships between acculturation and complementary and alternative medicine beliefs and use among Asian Americans.

The relationships between acculturation and complementary and alternative medicine beliefs and use among Asian Americans.

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.

294P Cross-sectional analysis on cancer-related distress, belief in alternative medicine among cancer patients and attendants visiting a tertiary care center in Northern India

294P Cross-sectional analysis on cancer-related distress, belief in alternative medicine among cancer patients and attendants visiting a tertiary care center in Northern India

Supplemental Material for The Relationships Between Acculturation and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs and Use Among Asian Americans

Supplemental Material for The Relationships Between Acculturation and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs and Use Among Asian Americans

Conduct of neuro-oncology multidisciplinary team meetings and closing the "gaps" in the clinical management of childhood central nervous system tumors in a middle-income country.

Multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) are essential in the clinical management of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Evaluations of the impact of MDTMs on childhood CNS tumors and clinicians' perspectives on their effectiveness are scarce. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of pediatric patients (aged <18 years) with CNS tumors diagnosed and treated in the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Division at the University Malaya Medical Center from 2008 to 2019. We also conducted a web-based survey of the core members of the multidisciplinary team to evaluate the impact of the MDTMs. During the pre-MDTM era (2008-2012), 29 CNS tumors were diagnosed and treated, and during the MDTM era (2014-2019), 49 CNS tumors were diagnosed and treated. The interval for histologic diagnosis was significantly shorter during the MDTM era (p=0.04), but the interval from diagnosis to chemotherapy or radiotherapy and the 5-year overall survival of the 78 patients did not improve (62.1% ± 9.0% vs. 68.8% ± 9.1%; p=0.184). However, the 5-year overall survival of patients with medulloblastoma or rare tumors significantly improved in the MDTM era (p=0.01). Key factors that contributed to delayed treatment and poor outcomes were postoperative complications, the facility's lack of infrastructure, poor parental education about early treatment, cultural beliefs in alternative medicine, and infection during chemotherapy. Eighteen clinicians responded to the survey; they felt that the MDTMs were beneficial in decision-making and enhanced the continuity of coordinated care. MDTMs significantly reduced the diagnostic interval and improved the overall outcomes. However, delayed treatment remains a major challenge that requires further attention.

Poor Medication Adherence in African Americans Is a Matter of Trust.

The purpose of this paper was to explore the lack of medication adherence in the African American patient community. The paper will address myths that many African American patients believe related to type 2 diabetes, hypertension treatment, and natural remedies. Research has shown that the disparities in the acceptance of healthcare provider advice and prescriptions are a significant concern particularly in African American patients. The acceptance of a provider's diagnosis and subsequent intervention can vary based on several issues including healthcare access, patient preferences, trust of a provider, and treatment recommendations. Patient influences can range from their ability to trust the provider (and what he/she says) to following through with their advice. Several studies have looked at the beliefs and misconceptions some African Americans hold regarding the treatment of hypertension and diabetes with some showing a preference for "natural remedies." This paper will leverage a literature review to seek out myths from African American patients to understand why they are dealing with challenges related to adherence with medication. The searches identified 58 research papers. The study applied an inductive content analysis approach to assess the research papers and identify themes. The barriers identified in this study include disbelief of the diagnosis, distrust for medication, mistrust for physicians and healthcare system, belief in alternative medicine, cultural/generation norms, and access/affordability of care. One of the most prominent factors that crossed all barriers was medical mistrust.

Complementary and alternative medicine beliefs in type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

Complementary medicine (CM) treatment beliefs of people with type 2 diabetes were assessed using a validated three-domain questionnaire. Belief in holistic health, but not natural treatments or participation in treatment, was independently associated with CM use (P=0.003). Strong holistic health beliefs could identify present/future CM use, with potential management implications.

Counseling students’ attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine integration in counseling practice

AbstractThis study explored counseling students’ attitudes toward beliefs and personal experience with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) integration in counseling practices. A total of 113 clinical mental health counseling students completed a demographic questionnaire, the CAM use, and the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs Inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, nonparametric Chi-Square testing, Mann–Whitney U test, and logistic regression analysis to determine the prevalence of CAM use, CAM beliefs, and predictive factors of CAM integration. The results indicated differences in ethnicity, gender, and age for CAM use, CAM beliefs, and predictors of attitudes toward CAM integration. Recommendations for counseling practice and education regarding CAM use and community-based health promotion were discussed.

The role of scientific reasoning and religious beliefs in use of complementary and alternative medicine

While previous research has shown that trust in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is linked with other unfounded beliefs (e.g. paranormal phenomena or pharmaceutical conspiracies) and that analytic thinking can help alter these beliefs, the role of the ability to evaluate evidence as a protective factor has not been established yet. A cross-sectional design with a hundred participants was used with self-report data from questionnaires and performance test. The dependent variables were the belief in CAM and use of CAM. Predictor variables were scientific reasoning (measured by Scientific Reasoning Scale), critical thinking dispositions (measured by Critical Thinking Disposition Instrument; UF-EMI), religious beliefs (measured by Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire), gender and age. Scientific reasoning and religious faith independently predicted belief in alternative medicine, while the role of scientific reasoning in actual reported use of CAM diminished after religious faith, gender and age were introduced to the model. The results highlight the fact that it is not enough to appeal to the general critical thinking of people, but we need to teach them some practical skills that would help them to evaluate evidence in other, health-unrelated, contexts as well.

Impact of "Sambhav" Program (Financial Assistance and Counselor Services) on Hepatitis C Pegylated Interferon Alpha Treatment Initiation in India.

Background: Financial constraints, social taboos and beliefs in alternative medicine are common reasons for delaying or not considering treatment for hepatitis C in India. The present study was planned to analyze the impact of non-banking interest free loan facility in patients affected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in North India. Methods: This one year observational, retrospective study was conducted in Department of Gastroenterology (January 2012-December 2013), Dayanand Medical College and Hospital Ludhiana, to evaluate the impact of program titled "Sambhav" (which provided non-banking financial assistance and counselor services) on treatment initiation and therapeutic compliance in HCV patients. Data of fully evaluated patients with chronic hepatitis, and/or cirrhosis due to HCV infection who were treated with Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (RBV) combination during this duration (2012- 2013) was collected from patient medical records and analyzed. In the year 2012, eligible patients who were offered antiviral treatment paid for treatment themselves, while in 2013, ‘Sambhav’ program was launched and this provided interest free financing by non-banking financial company (NBFC) for the treatment of HCV in addition to free counselor services for disease management. The treatment initiation and compliance rates were compared between the patients (n = 585) enrolled in 2013 who were offered ‘Sambhav’ assistance and those enrolled in 2012 (n = 628) when ‘Sambhav’ was not available. Results: Introduction of Sambhav program improved the rates of treatment initiation (59% in 2013 vs. 51% in 2012, P=.004). Of the 585 eligible patients offered ‘Sambhav’ assistance in 2013, 233 patients (39.8%) applied but 106/233 (45.4%) received assistance. Antiviral therapy was started in 93/106 (87.7%) of these patients, while only 52 (42.5%) of 127 patients whose applications were rejected underwent treatment. Compliance to antiviral therapy also improved with the introduction of ‘Sambhav’ program (87.7% vs. 74.1%, P=.001). Conclusion: ‘Sambhav’ program had significant impact on the initiation of antiviral therapy by overcoming the financial hurdles. The free counselor services helped to mitigate social taboos and imparted adequate awareness about the disease to the patients. Initiatives like ‘Sambhav’ can be utilized for improving healthcare services in developing countries, especially for chronic diseases.

Complementary and alternative medicine beliefs and complementary medicine use in Australians with type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated (Cas) system is an adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea that resists exogenous invasion through nucleic acid-mediated cleavage. In the type III-A system, the Csm complex contains five effectors and a CRISPR RNA, which edits both single stranded RNA and double stranded DNA. It has recently been demonstrated that cyclic oligoadenylates (cOAs), which are synthesized by the Csm complex, act as second messengers that bind and activate Csm6. Here, we report the crystal structures of Staphylococcus epidermidis Csm3 (SeCsm3) and an N-terminally truncated Csm6 (SeCsm6ΔN) at 2.26 and 2.0 Å, respectively. The structure of SeCsm3 highly resembled previously reported Csm3 structures from other species; however, it provided novel observations allowing further enzyme characterization. The homodimeric SeCsm6ΔN folds into a compact structure. The dimerization of the HEPN domain leads to the formation of the ribonuclease active site, which is consistent with the reported Csm6 structures. Altogether, our studies provide a structural view of the ribonuclease activity mediated by Csm3 and Csm6 of the type III-A CRISPR-Cas system.

Examining Antenatal Health Literacy in Ghana

To explore Ghanaian pregnant women's understanding and recognition of danger signs in pregnancy, birth preparedness and complication readiness, and their understanding of newborn care. An exploratory, qualitative study design was used. Data were gathered through six focus group discussions with 68 pregnant women attending antenatal care at a busy urban hospital in Ghana. Qualitative and descriptive data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Health literacy was used as the guiding framework to analyze the qualitative data. Data were analyzed in the content domains of (a) understanding and recognition of danger signs in pregnancy, (b) preparedness for childbirth, (c) understanding and recognition of danger signs in the newborn, and (d) appropriate and timely referral. Women in this study identified danger signs of pregnancy and in the newborn, but had difficulty interpreting and operationalizing information they received during antenatal care visits, indicating that health education did not translate to appropriate health behaviors. Cultural beliefs in alternative medicine, lack of understanding, and prior negative encounters with healthcare professionals may have led to underutilization of professional midwives for delivery and health services. Women in this study exhibited low health literacy by incorrectly interpreting and operationalizing health education received during antenatal care. With limited health literacy, pregnant women cannot fully comprehend the scope of services that a health system can provide for them and their families. Achieving the greatest impact with limited time in antenatal care is a challenge. Since antenatal care is widely available to pregnant women in Ghana, it is vital to reexamine the way antenatal education is delivered. Pregnant women must receive health information that is accurate and easy to understand in order to make informed health choices that will improve maternal and child health.

Characteristics of patients consulting their regular primary care physician according to their prescribing preferences for homeopathy and complementary medicine

Homeopathic care has not been well documented in terms of its impact on patients' utilization of drugs or other complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). The objective of this study was to describe and compare patients who visit physicians in general practice (GPs) who prescribe only conventional medicines (GP-CM), regularly prescribe homeopathy within a mixed practice (GP-Mx), or are certified homeopathic GPs (GP-Ho). The EPI3-LASER study was a nationwide observational survey of a representative sample of GPs and their patients from across France. Physicians recorded their diagnoses and prescriptions on participating patients who completed a self-questionnaire on socio-demographics, lifestyle, quality of life Short Form 12 (SF-12) and the complementary and alternative medicine beliefs inventory (CAMBI). A total of 6379 patients (participation rate 73.1%) recruited from 804 GP practices participated in this survey. Patients attending a GP-Ho were slightly more often female with higher education than in the GP-CM group and had markedly healthier lifestyle. They did not differ greatly in their comorbidities or quality of life but exhibited large differences in their beliefs in holistic medicine and natural treatments, and in their attitude toward participating to their own care. Similar but less striking observations were made in patients of the GP-Mx group. Patients seeking care with a homeopathic GP did not differ greatly in their socio-demographic characteristics but more so by their healthier lifestyle and positive attitude toward CAM. Further research is needed to explore the directionality of those associations and to assess the potential economic benefits of homeopathic management in primary care.

Measuring differential beliefs in complementary therapy research: An exploration of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs Inventory (CAMBI)

The Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs Inventory (CAMBI) was developed to provide a comprehensive measure of beliefs believed to differentiate complementary therapy (CT) users from nonusers. The initial evaluation of the CAMBI was based on a relatively homogeneous sample of CT users, which raises questions about its applicability in more generalized samples. This study uses data from a community-based sample of older adults (N=200) to evaluate the utility of the CAMBI in more diverse samples. Results indicated substantial variation in responses to items with each of a priori belief domains (i.e., perceived value of natural treatments, preference for participation in treatments, and orientation toward holistic health) and modest inter-correlation among items within each belief domain. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated the a priori measurement structure provided a poor fit to obtained data. Post hoc analyses indicated that African Americans and those with less education had less consistent responses to items within each belief domain. Revision and additional development of the CAMBI is needed to enable its use in more diverse research samples.

Health Care Reform Bill Contains Opportunities for Integrative Medicine

Homeopathic care has not been well documented in terms of its impact on patients' utilization of drugs or other complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). The objective of this study was to describe and compare patients who visit physicians in general practice (GPs) who prescribe only conventional medicines (GP-CM), regularly prescribe homeopathy within a mixed practice (GP-Mx), or are certified homeopathic GPs (GP-Ho).The EPI3-LASER study was a nationwide observational survey of a representative sample of GPs and their patients from across France. Physicians recorded their diagnoses and prescriptions on participating patients who completed a self-questionnaire on socio-demographics, lifestyle, quality of life Short Form 12 (SF-12) and the complementary and alternative medicine beliefs inventory (CAMBI).A total of 6379 patients (participation rate 73.1%) recruited from 804 GP practices participated in this survey. Patients attending a GP-Ho were slightly more often female with higher education than in the GP-CM group and had markedly healthier lifestyle. They did not differ greatly in their comorbidities or quality of life but exhibited large differences in their beliefs in holistic medicine and natural treatments, and in their attitude toward participating to their own care. Similar but less striking observations were made in patients of the GP-Mx group.Patients seeking care with a homeopathic GP did not differ greatly in their socio-demographic characteristics but more so by their healthier lifestyle and positive attitude toward CAM. Further research is needed to explore the directionality of those associations and to assess the potential economic benefits of homeopathic management in primary care.

Vitalism, purpose and superstition

Developmental studies have shown that children assign purpose to objects more liberally than adults, and that they explain biological processes in terms of vitalistic causality. This study tested the hypothesis that similar misconceptions can be found among superstitious adults. The results from 116 superstitious and 123 sceptical individuals showed that more than sceptics, superstitious individuals attributed purpose to objects, and explained biological processes in terms of organ intentionality and energy transmission. In addition, they thought of energy as a vital force, attributing life and mental properties to it. These conceptual confusions were positively associated to all types of superstitions as well as belief in alternative medicine. The results support the argument that category mistakes and ontological confusions underlie superstitious and vitalistic thinking.