CAM Therapies Research Articles

Use of complementary and alternative medicine and quality of life of cancer patients who received chemotherapy in Turkey

ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the frequency of use of CAM therapies among cancer patients, the types of CAM therapies they used, the demographic and clinical factors affecting their tendency to use CAM therapies, and the difference between quality of life of CAM user and non-user patients. DesignThis cross-sectional study was carried out between March and June 2016 in an education and research hospital located in Mugla, Turkey. A CAM use questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3.0) and the Nightingale Symptom Assessment Scale (N-SAS) were administered to 211 patients. ResultsAmong all the participating patients, 46.4% were CAM users. The most commonly used CAM therapy was herbal products. The rate of CAM use was higher among the patients with a low education level (P = 0.004). No statistically significant difference was found between the quality-of-life scores of the CAM user and non-user patients. ConclusionAlmost half of the cancer patients used CAM therapy, with the most commonly used CAM therapy being herbal products. Doctors/nurses should assess patients in terms of the CAM therapies they use to determine their possible side effects and drug interactions. Further research should be performed to determine the relationship between CAM therapy and quality of life.

Impact of complementary and alternative medicine offerings on cancer patients’ emotional health and ability to self-manage health conditions

ObjectivesThis descriptive study investigated how cancer patient characteristics and utilization of CAM resources, services, and activities at a regional cancer center were associated with patients’ understanding of their health needs, emotional health, and their ability to self-manage their condition. DesignCross-sectional questionnaire. Sixty-one patients completed a mailed 17-item paper and pencil survey about their sociodemographics, use of CAM offerings, barriers, and perceived benefits. SettingMail-based survey completed by cancer patients in a southern state. Main outcome measuresAs a result of participating in the center’s cancer support services, patients indicated if: (1) they had a better understanding of their health needs; (2) their emotional health has improved; and (3) they take better care of themselves when they are at home and in the community. ResultsParticipants reported using 0.93 (±1.20) CAM activities (e.g., yoga), 0.62 (±0.71) resources (e.g., the library), and 1.62 (±1.34) services (e.g., monthly support groups), although also reported experiencing 0.74 (±0.81) barriers (e.g., transportation) to accessing these offerings. Perceived benefits were interrelated, where those perceiving CAM offerings to improve their understanding of their health needs also perceived improved emotional health (χ2 = 27.93, P < 0.001) and better self-care (χ2 = 30.90, P < 0.001). ConclusionsGreater utilization of CAM offerings was also associated with greater perceived benefits. These results highlight the benefits of CAM therapies for cancer patients’ well-being. Integration of CAM therapies in standard cancer care should be encouraged to complement cancer treatment.

Clariant opens new catalysts office in China

Massage therapy (MT), as one of the most popular forms of CAM therapies, has been widely accepted by families with children. This systematic review and meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the effects of MT on pulmonary functions of pediatric asthma.Eight English and Chinese databases were searched for relevant RCTs published from their inception to May, 2015.We included eligible RCTs in which MT was employed either alone or as an adjuvant treatment for standard asthma medical therapy in children with asthma. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Flow in first second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC were used as important outcomes in this research. The selection of studies, data extraction, and validation was performed independently by two reviewers. Cochrane risk of bias criteria was used for evaluating the quality of the included studies.Three RCTs were included in the final meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that, compared with standard asthma medical therapy alone, MT plus standard asthma medical therapy had favorable effects in improving the FEV1 [MD = 0.07, 95% CI (0.01,0.13), p = 0.02; heterogeneity: Chi2 = 1.02, p = 0.60, I2 = 0%] and FEV1/FVC [MD = 0.06, 95% CI (0.01,0.12), p = 0.03; heterogeneity: Chi2 = 1.52, p = 0.47, I2 = 0%]; however, it failed to do so on FVC. In addition, we conducted a qualitative review of two styles of massage therapies here. Changes in FVC were measured in two styles of massage therapies, with inconsistent effects. However, there were consistent increases in FEV1, though one study which used classical manual massage reported improvements were not statistically significant. In addition, the similar results were also found in the FEV1/FVC measurement.Only weak evidence supports the notion that MT has a beneficial effect on pulmonary functions of pediatric asthma.

Prevalence and pattern of usage of complementary and alternative medicine among south Indian asthma patients in a tertiary care hospital

ObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CAM users among asthmatic patients in a tertiary care South Indian hospital. MethodsProspective, cross sectional study was conducted in 394 asthmatic patients. Results30.4% of the patients used CAM therapies. The most commonly used CAM treatment was herbal medicine followed by pranayama (controlled breathing exercises). Most of the CAM users were found to be in lower middle class. The baseline characteristics of the CAM users and the non CAM users were found to be similar except for education and socioeconomic status (p < .008). Among the CAM users, none of the patients disclosed about their CAM treatment to their pulmonologists. ConclusionPatients must be educated about CAM therapies and they must be advised to discuss all their treatment related issues with treating clinicians. Healthcare professionals should be familiar with the merits and demerits of using CAM therapy so that they could provide proper guidance to their patients.

Qualitative Analysis of Pediatric Patient and Caregiver Perspectives After Recent Diagnosis With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

PurposeA diagnosis of a chronic illness is a life-altering experience for a child and his or her family. The purpose of this study was to elicit children and parent perspectives following a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Design & MethodsA qualitative description design was employed. Eighteen patients were recruited from a Pediatric IBD Clinic in Western Canada. Interviews were used to gather perceptions, opinions, and attitudes from children and their parents. Transcriptions of the interviews were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis. ResultsFour themes were identified: perspective of diagnosis, roles in care and decision-making, sharing the diagnosis, and treating the disease. Children and parents expressed varied emotions in response to diagnosis. Families articulated the desire to become more active members in the decision-making process on treatment choices. While using conventional medical therapy was seen as an appropriate choice for short-term therapy, many parents hoped that more non-conventional and alternative therapies could be used in the future. ConclusionHealthcare providers need to provide excellent education on the disease process, treatment options, and the use of CAM therapy in IBD, while at the same time supporting children and parent's voices in treatment decisions. Practice ImplicationsImprovement strategies need to be implemented to allow families to feel that they have a voice when making decisions regarding treatment options. Families need to be educated and supported on the use of CAM therapies in IBD.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among Iranian patients attending urban outpatient general practices

ObjectiveTo determine the frequency of use of different types of CAM among patients who attended outpatient general practices (GP). MethodsCAM use, type, reason, administration, satisfaction, and disclosure to physician were documented by interviewing 360 patients. ResultsA total of 192 individuals (53.3%) reported that they were using or had used at least one form of CAM therapy (a total of 343 CAM therapies). The five most commonly used CAM therapies were, respectively, vitamin supplements (105 subjects, 54.7%), traditional herbal products (80 cases, 41.7%), mineral supplements (58 cases, 30.2%), herbal medicines (49 cases, 25.5%) and dietary therapies (18 cases, 9.4%); 240 therapies (70%) were self-prescribed. ConclusionA substantial number of the patients had used CAM on their own; one-third of these patients did not have sufficient knowledge about the therapies used. Health care providers should be aware of this practice by the patients and seek information about CAM usage.

Blurred lines: Emerging practice for registered dietitian-nutritionists in integrative and functional nutrition

BackgroundThis study explored the health philosophy and practice orientation of RDNs in the United States. MethodsA randomly selected group of RDNs were recruited to take an online survey using a reduced version of Integrative Medicine practice (IM-30). Confirmatory factor analysis, analyses of variance, and non-parametric tests were used to investigate the relationships between dietetic professionals' personal health philosophy, lifestyle, and orientation to Integrative Medicine. ResultsOverall construct validity of the IM-26 scale was demonstrated by Cronbach's α with reliabilities ranging from 0.766 to 0.89. Results from chi-square test of goodness-of-fit test (N = 477, χ2 = 228.72, p = 0.123) and RMSEA of 0.016 showed good model fit. IM orientation varied significantly by work setting and certification in one or more CAM therapies. ConclusionsThe orientation towards Integrative Medicine for a majority of US dietitians is in the awareness and learning phases of adoption.

Experiences of aromatherapy massage among adult female cancer patients: A qualitative study.

To explore the experiences towards aromatherapy massage use, and to examine the perceived benefits and adverse effects of aromatherapy massage among adult female cancer patients. A qualitative research design was used. Fifteen women with cancer were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Sample recruitment was undertaken through cancer self-help groups and referrals of a private aromatherapy clinic by convenience sampling. The interview data were analysed by thematic analysis. All participants had a positive experience towards aromatherapy massage. The perceived benefits of aromatherapy massage included physical and psychological dimensions: overall comfort, relaxation, reduced pain, muscular tension, lymphoedema and numbness, improved sleep, energy level, appetite and mood. Interestingly, a few participants reported that aromatherapy massage helped to enhance self-acceptance and coping with their altered torso. No adverse effects were reported. The findings focused on four main themes that emerged: (i) an immediate effect that brings all-round comfort and reconnection to daily life; (ii) a pleasurable moment to forget the disease with aroma as a booster; (iii) a pampering experience of being cared for with a sense of dignity preserved; and (iv) communicating with the failing body. This study contributed by providing a better understanding in aromatherapy massage from female cancer patients' perspective which adds to the existing body of knowledge. The implications for nursing practice, education and future research were suggested. Aromatherapy massage seems to have both physical and psychological benefits for women with cancer. The findings elucidated a wide range of benefits that are perceived in such complex intervention, and the contextual factors that may influence these perceived benefits. This will inform future nurse-led quantitative research in the clinical setting. The study highlights the importance of touch towards a caring relationship and the provision of cancer care with a gender-specific approach. Exploring of the lived experience of aromatherapy massage and its meaning enables the healthcare professionals to gain insights into the needs, preferences and values for cancer care among female cancer population. While nurses play a crucial role in collaborating with cancer patients in the choice of CAM therapies, nurses should advise them to attend practising aromatherapists with recognised training and competency who should be members of aromatherapy professional associations. As aromatherapy is an unregulated profession, nurses may also advise oncology patients on the international guideline and institutional policies for aromatherapy massage use in the hospital setting. Nurses may broaden the caring repertoire by expanding their knowledge and skills in aromatherapy massage such as understanding the basic essential oils pharmacology, massage skills and therapy efficacy for symptoms management in cancer care. Oncology clinicians and nurses should support and guide patients' decision in the use of aromatherapy massage by providing evidence-based and comprehensive advice on the potential benefits, risks and related safety issues.

Factors associated with complementary medicine use in pediatric musculoskeletal conditions: Results from a national survey

ObjectivesComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common in children, but its use has only been investigated in children with musculoskeletal conditions (MSK) to a limited extent. We aimed to characterize factors associated with CAM use in children with MSK conditions. MethodsWithin the 2012 National Health Interview Survey dataset (including its child CAM supplement), we examined factors associated with CAM use in children with MSK conditions and performed an analysis examining the perceived usefulness of CAM therapies for MSK conditions. ResultsOverall, there were 10,218 children in the dataset. 28.0% of children with MSK conditions used CAM, compared to 8.8% of children without MSK conditions. Gender (p=0.003), region (p=0.001), race (p=0.001), parental CAM use (p<0.001), education (<0.001), and having anxiety, stress or depression (p=0.030) were correlated with CAM use. Among 90 children who reported on CAM use, 89.7% said that CAM helped some or a great deal for their MSK condition. ConclusionsSeveral factors, particularly parental education and parental CAM use, were associated with CAM use, and self-reported improvement rates were high. Interventional trials are needed to determine the efficacy of specific CAM therapies for treating different MSK conditions in children.

Self-reported Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Moroccan Women with Breast Cancer

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, types, sociodemographic and clinical-related factors of complementary and alternative medicine use among Moroccan women with breast cancer. A cross-sectional study was carried out at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat. 400 patients with breast cancer were recruited for face-to-face interviews. Data were collected using a questionnaire addressing personal/medical characteristics and the use of CAM therapies. 88.5% of women used at least one CAM therapy, 73.2% of them reported began to use CAM at the onset of breast cancer symptoms. Type of CAM commonly used were prayers, listening and/or reading the Koran and use of naturel products like honey or fenugreek. High education level was independent factors related to CAM use. Interventions should be focused on open communication and further researches are needed to explore the safety and the outcome of CAM use.

Knowledge and opinions of parents of children hospitalized in hematology/ oncology units regarding complementary and alternative medicine

The current study aimed to determine the knowledge and opinions of parents who had children with cancer regarding complementary and alternative medicine. This descriptive study was performed with 145 parents. Data collection was implemented by means of a literature-based questionnaire. Of the parents who were enrolled into the study, 42.1% were aged 36 years or older and 57.2% had primary school education only. A total of 86.9% of the information was gathered from the mothers of the children. All parents preferred CAM therapies for their children’s treatment; more than half used herbs as CAM, and 81.4% of the parents who used CAM with held this information from healthcare professionals. All parents had insufficient knowledge about complementary and alternative treatments, including those who had opted out of conventional medicine, but wanted to learn more about them. Therefore, healthcare professionals should improve their knowledge of CAM methods and be able to appropriately enlighten parents while providing an environment in which families can freely discuss information.

Different Techniques of Acupuncture–Part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine and “Evidence Based Medicine”

Introduction: Dry needling: e.t. Acupuncture: is one of the most accepted CAM therapies, most well: known branch of the Traditional Chinese Medicine, which flows intensive research a few decades in the US, Europe, even in China. Is backed by proving research results of Evidence Based Medicine for properly as well. Objective: To summarize the newer understanding of the mechanism of action and indications with regard to harmonization and closer to the TCM/TCM tenets of contemporary classical Chinese medical applying for. Method: An international literature review, which called CAMbrella, the Pan: European Union project work package based on its research, which took part in the work of the Department of Complementary Medicine in, Health Science Faculty of Pecs University, as well. Results: Acupuncture and TCM, are one of the most researched area of non–conventional, complementary therapies. We have already demonstrated convincingly established by the management of the majority of acupuncture point physiological responses. The mediator neurohormonal transmitters are already known about now. 40 have been identified which are involved in induced “dry needling” effect. Discussion: The “Bridge” between the Eastern and Western medicine is the appropriate knowledge transfer, research and application. The performance of in: service training is a university competence. Evidence Based Medicine has an efficient and effective use based on the quality of training in: service training, which is conducted in some Universities for more decades. Further development of this training, quality education can only be realistic to achieve the goals (which effectively give rise to a dedicated TCM Confucius Institute Pecs University).

Pattern of Traditional Medicine Utilization among HIV/AIDS Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy at a University Hospital in Northwestern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The objective of this study was to assess traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) utilization pattern among HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Materials and Methods. Data on sociodemographic profile and clinical and TCAM utilization were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire from April 01 to May 28, 2014, through interviews with patients. Data on CD4 count, HIV stage, and ART regimen were collected from patient records. Analysis was conducted descriptively using SPSS version 20. Results. Of the 300 participants, 43.7% reported using TCAM, with the largest proportion of them from religious institutions (churches/mosques) (41.22%), followed by home prepared (32.82%) and traditional healers (16.03%). The leading forms of TCAM used were spiritual and herbal therapies constituting 56.49% and 36.64% of the patients, respectively. The most frequently used herbal products included Nigella sativa (22.92%) and Moringa oleifera (20.83%). Most of the patients (73.30%) using TCAM reported improvement in their conditions. Conclusions. TCAM utilization among HIV/AIDS patients on ART was common and different sources and types were used alongside ART, with improvement reported by most. Further research is needed to identify CAM therapies which may be used as adjunct treatments among these patients.

Usage of complementary and alternative medicine: A survey among Indian dental professionals

ObjectiveCAM therapies are used along with standard medical care. Though there are various medical evidences to prove the effectiveness of CAM therapies in managing medical problems, the evidence for the dental application are still lacking in India. This could be attributed to the non-availability or the insufficient knowledge regarding the use of CAM in dentistry. Hence it is necessary to obtain the baseline knowledge regarding the use of CAM therapies among dentists. MethodCross sectional questionnaire based survey. ResultsThere were mixed attitudes towards CAM approaches in dental practices. Lack of clinical knowledge and exposure during their graduation and inadequate scientific evidence can be attributed to their hesitation in practicing the CAM. ConclusionThough interested, dental practitioners were still cautious in putting CAM into clinical practice. Only very few dentist used CAM therapies and they limited their use to topical application for oral problems.

The quantity and quality of complementary and alternative medicine clinical practice guidelines on herbal medicines, acupuncture and spinal manipulation: systematic review and assessment using AGREE II.

BackgroundComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is often not disclosed by patients, and can be unfamiliar to health care professionals. This may lead to underuse of beneficial CAM therapies, and overuse of other CAM therapies with little proven benefit or known contraindications. No prior research has thoroughly evaluated the credibility of knowledge-based resources. The purpose of this research was to assess the quantity and quality of CAM guidelines.MethodsA systematic review was conducted to identify CAM guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched in January 2016 from 2003 to 2015. The National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health web site, and two CAM journals were also searched. Eligible guidelines published in English language by non-profit agencies on herbal medicine, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation for adults with any condition were assessed with the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument.ResultsFrom 3,126 unique search results, 17 guidelines (two herbal medicine, three acupuncture, four spinal manipulation, eight mixed CAM therapies) published in 2003 or later and relevant to several clinical conditions were eligible. Scaled domain percentages from highest to lowest were clarity of presentation (85.3 %), scope and purpose (83.3 %), rigour of development (61.2 %), editorial independence (60.1 %), stakeholder involvement (52.0 %) and applicability (20.7 %). Quality varied within and across guidelines. None of the 17 guidelines were recommended by both appraisers; 14 were recommended as Yes or Yes with modifications.ConclusionsGuidelines that scored well could be used by patients and health care professionals as the basis for discussion about the use of these CAM therapies. In future updates, guidelines that achieved variable or lower scores could be improved according to specifications in the AGREE II instrument, and with insight from a large number of resources that are available to support guideline development and implementation. Future research should identify CAM therapies other than those reviewed here for which guidelines are available. Research is also needed on the safety and effectiveness of CAM therapies.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1410-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Epidemiology of complementary and alternative medicine therapy use in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivorship patients in Australia.

In addition to prescribed conventional medicines, many allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors also use complementary and alternative medical therapies (CAM), however, the frequency and types of CAMs used by allogeneic HSCT survivors remain unclear. Study participants were adults who had undergone an allogeneic HSCT between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2012. Participants completed a 402‐item questionnaire regarding the use of CAM, medical complications, specialist referrals, medications and therapies, infections, vaccinations, cancer screening, lifestyle, and occupational issues and relationship status following stem cell transplantation. A total of 1475 allogeneic HSCT were performed in the study period. Of the 669 recipients known to be alive at study sampling, 583 were contactable and were sent study packs. Of 432 participants who returned the completed survey (66% of total eligible, 76% of those contacted), 239 (54.1%) HSCT survivors used at least one form of CAM. These included dietary modification (13.6%), vitamin therapy (30%), spiritual or mind–body therapy (17.2%), herbal supplements (13.5%), manipulative and body‐based therapies (26%), Chinese medicine (3.5%), reiki (3%), and homeopathy (3%). These results definitively demonstrate that a large proportion of HSCT survivors are using one or more form of CAM therapy. Given the potential benefits demonstrated by small studies of specific CAM therapies in this patient group, as well as clearly documented therapies with no benefit or even toxicity, this result shows there is a large unmet need for additional studies to ascertain efficacy and safety of CAM therapies in this growing population.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine by 7427 Australian women with cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundTo assess the prevalence of cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort and to detail the pattern of complementary and alternative (CAM) use adopted by women for the treatment of these symptoms.MethodsData from the 2012 national Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health (ALSWH) cross-sectional survey of 7427 women aged 34–39 years were analysed to estimate the prevalence of endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular or heavy periods and severe dysmenorrhoea and to examine the association between their symptoms and their visits to CAM practitioners as well as their use of CAM therapies and products in the previous 12 months.ResultsThe prevalence of endometriosis was 3.7 % and of the perimenstrual symptoms assessed, PMS was most prevalent at 41.2 % whilst irregular bleeding (22.2 %), heavy periods (29.8 %) and severe period pain (24.1 %) were reported at lower levels. Women with endometriosis were more likely than non-sufferers to have consulted with a massage therapist or acupuncturist and to have used vitamins/minerals, yoga/meditation or Chinese medicines (p < 0.05). PMS sufferers were more likely to consult with an osteopath, massage therapist, naturopath/herbalist or alternative health practitioner and to have used all forms of CAM therapies except Chinese medicines than women who had infrequent PMS (all p < 0.05). Women with irregular periods did not have different patterns of CAM use from non-sufferers and those with heavy periods did not favour any form of CAM but were less likely to visit a massage therapist or use yoga/meditation than non-sufferers (p < 0.05). For women with severe dysmenorrhoea there was no difference in their visits to CAM practitioners compared to non-sufferers but they were more likely to use aromatherapy oils (p < 0.05) and for more frequent dysmenorrhoea also herbal medicines, Chinese medicines and other alternative therapies compared to non-sufferers (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort amongst women in this age group. Women were using CAM differentially when they had specific symptoms of cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort. The use of CAM needs to be properly assessed to ensure their safe, effective use and to ascertain their significance as a treatment option enabling women with menstrual problems and their care providers to improve their quality of life.

Nurse and patient characteristics predict communication about complementary and alternative medicine.

The aim of this study was to identify nurse factors (eg, knowledge, practices, and clinical habits regarding complementary and alternative medicine [CAM] as well as demographic factors) and patient characteristics (eg, age, sex, and treatment status) associated with nurses' CAM inquiry and referral patterns. Baseline data were collected with nurse/patient questionnaires about CAM use and knowledge as part of a multicenter CAM educational clinical trial. Frequencies and nested regression models were used to assess predictors of nurses' inquiries about and referral to CAM therapies. Six hundred ninety-nine patients participated in the study. For patients, female sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.50; P = .019) and cancer recurrence (OR, 1.45; P = .05) were predictive of nurses' inquiries about and referral to CAM therapies. A total of 175 nurses with a mean age of 45 years and a mean experience of 20 years participated; 79% were staff nurses, and 11% were nurse practitioners. Fifty-three percent asked at least 1 of their last 5 patients about CAM use; 42% referred patients to CAM therapy. Nurses who reported being "somewhat comfortable" (OR, 2.70; P = .0001) or "very comfortable" (OR, 3.88; P < .0001) about discussing CAM, self-reported use of massage (OR, 2.20; P < .0001), and had formal CAM education (OR, 4.14; P = .0001) were more likely to ask about CAM use. Nurses who reported being "somewhat comfortable" (OR, 2.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-4.41; P = .0008) or "very comfortable" (OR, 7.46; P < .00001) and had formal CAM education (OR, 2.96; P < .0001) were also more likely to refer patients to CAM therapies. Both patient and nurse characteristics were associated with discussions about CAM. Oncology institutions that prioritize evidence-based medicine should consider introducing CAM education to their nursing staff. Cancer 2016;122:1552-9. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Developing Homeopathy in Africa

The integration of homeopathy into the health care system in Kenya reveals interesting challenges, such as establishing educational institutions and political bodies that can represent homeopathy and other CAM therapies as the government seeks to broaden health care options in Kenya and is faced with ongoing economic, social and medical challenges.

Prescription medication use in a chiropractic training clinic: Cause for vigilance

PurposeThe concurrent use of CAM therapies with traditional allopathic medical practice is increasing. This study investigates the concurrent use of prescription medication in patients attending a chiropractic student teaching clinic for the first time. The need for practitioners to be aware of the side effects of prescribed medication patients are using is discussed. MethodsCross-sectional study of 1008 new patient consultations at a university chiropractic teaching clinic. Results549 prescription medications being used by 330 patients were included in the analysis. A total of 104 individual medications were identified of which 69 listed headache as a potential side effect of their use. 57 of 116 (49%) of patients seeking care for the treatment of headache were concurrently using these medications. ConclusionsPatients presenting to the university chiropractic teaching clinic may be seeking care for symptoms attributed to prescription medication. The requirement that practitioners be aware of the side effects of prescribed medication patients are using is raised.