CAM Use Research Articles

Use of Both Alcohol and Cannabis Protective Behavioral Strategies is Associated with Fewer Negative Consequences: A Moderation Analysis

Background: Concurrent alcohol and cannabis (i.e. marijuana) use (CAM; use of both substances within the same specified time frame) is prevalent among college students and associated with increased risk of negative substance-related consequences. Extant research supports the use of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) for reducing negative consequences associated with both alcohol and cannabis use. However, limited research exists regarding the efficacy of PBS among CAM users, and it is unknown whether using PBS for both alcohol and cannabis augments protective effects. The present study tested four moderation models to evaluate the interactive effects of alcohol and cannabis PBS on alcohol and cannabis negative consequences and use frequency. Methods: A multisite sample of college students (N = 1705) reporting past-month CAM use completed questionnaires regarding substance use behaviors, PBS use, and substance-related negative consequences. Results: Alcohol and cannabis PBS were negatively associated with alcohol and cannabis use, respectively. However, two-way interactions between PBS on substance use were not supported, such that negative associations between PBS and same-substance use were not augmented as other-substance PBS use increased. Interactive effects of alcohol and cannabis PBS on negative alcohol and cannabis consequences were supported, such that negative associations between alcohol PBS and consequences were augmented as cannabis PBS increased and vice versa. Conclusions: Findings suggest that using both types of PBS may increase protective effects against negative consequences among CAM users. Accordingly, promoting both types of PBS may enhance extant harm reduction interventions.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Uses of Individuals Diagnosed With Chronic Diseases

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of CAM practices by individuals who have been admitted to health institutions and have been diagnosed with chronic diseases.
 Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of chronic disease were included in this cross-sectional observational study. The use of 15 CAM modalities were evaluated in accordance with the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Regulations. Logistic regression analysis was further performed the association between CAM use and related factors.
 Results: The mean age of 692 people in the study group was 50.6±13.6 years. In this study, the frequency of CAM use was found to be 37.1%. Univariate and age adjusted univariate logistic regression analysis performed to determine the correlation of the use of CAM practices with respect to sociodemographic variables and health-related variables revealed that being a woman, admitting to faculty of medicine, not having an income-generating job and living in an extended family were found to be positive predictors of CAM use.
 Conclusion: The fact that one out of every three patients diagnosed with a chronic disease and who have admitted to a health care institution had already experienced CAM practices indicate that the orientation towards CAM practices is quite high. Further comprehensive research is necessary with regard to planning the integration of CAM practices into health services.

Prevalence and Correlates of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Cam) Use Among Hypertensive Patients in Tamale, Ghanax

When it comes to chronic conditions like hypertension, patient health outcomes are tightly linked to adherence to orthodox care. And Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) use may harm patient healthcare outcomes concerning poor antihypertensive medications adherence. The purpose of the study was to assess the use of CAM among hypertensive patients of TTH for management of hypertension. An analytic cross-sectional design was adopted for this study, using the method of survey for quantitative data. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square to determine factors associated with CAM use. And predictors of CAM use were identified using the multiple logistics regression model. A survey was done for 131 participants, the average age of the hypertensive study participants was 56.9 ±15.5 years, and more than half (58.9%) of the respondents were females. The prevalence of CAM use was 24.6%. Factors with significant association with CAM use among the study participants were; Respondents' level of education, age, duration of hypertension illness, and comorbidity condition predicted CAM use. In conclusion, CAM use was high and, this may lead to anti-hypertensive medication non-compliance.

O.11.1Medical professionals’ perspective on patients’ CAM use – knowledge, attitude, communication skills: Presenter(s): Anna Kolodziejek, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland

O.11.1Medical professionals’ perspective on patients’ CAM use – knowledge, attitude, communication skills: Presenter(s): Anna Kolodziejek, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland

Pengalaman Menggunakan Terapi Komplementer pada Pasien Kanker Payudara

This study aims to obtain information related to the experiences of breast cancer patients using complementary therapies at Adventist Hospital in Bandung City. This research method is qualitative research with a descriptive explorative research type. The results of this study provide an overview of breast cancer patients' experiences using complementary therapies. This experience is described in six themes, namely: (1) herbal is the leading choice of complementary therapy; (2) friends are a source of information in determining the type of complementary therapy; (3) complementary therapy requires a lengthy healing time; (4) fear of surgery is the main reason for choosing complementary therapy; (5) expensive cost is an obstacle that is often encountered in using complementary therapy; (6) the use of CAM as an effort to improve the welfare of breast cancer patients. In conclusion, complementary therapies such as good herbal medicine, juice therapy, electro-capacitive cancer therapy (ECCT), gamat jelly, and Papuan ant nest teas have varying prices. When used for a long time, the accumulated costs incurred are more expensive than operating costs.
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 Keywords: Breast Cancer, Experience, Complementary Therapy

Evaluation of Concomitant Use of Anticancer Drugs and Herbal Products: From Interactions to Synergic Activity.

CAM is used by about 40% of cancer patients in Western Countries, with peaks of 80% for breast cancer patients. Cancer patients use CAM to boost immune function, to control cancer symptoms and treatment-related side effects, and to improve health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and survival. Unfortunately, self-prescription of natural remedies in cancer patients can lead to unexpected toxicities and can reduce the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Although CAM usually refers to all the "natural or organic" products/methods that are generally considered less toxic, there are concerns about drug interactions, especially in patients participating in clinical trials with experimental agents. Despite the claims of the promising and potential benefits made by prescribers, many CAMs lack clear scientific evidence of their safety and efficacy. Given the widespread use of CAM-both clearly declared and overt-in this review, we focused on the most important known data on the risk of interactions between biologics and oncology drugs with the goal of opening up CAM in accordance with the meaning of integrative medicine.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine in fertility and gynaecological disorders in Jordan: a mixed-method descriptive study

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study is to assess the extent of CAM use, with emphasis on herbs, in treating gynecological disorders, and their perceived efficacy and safety. Methods This was a mixed-method study of two parts (cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative study) of 338 women suffering from gynecological disorders during the last 3 months. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire of three parts: demographics, medical history and the CAM use patterns. Qualitative part was conducted by a 20-min verbal face-to-face interview. Key findings During the last 3 months, 232 (68.64%) of participants had used CAM for various gynaecological conditions, of which, 135 (58.19%) used herbal remedies. Almost half of participants have a good awareness about CAM definition, and they mainly used CAM before or concurrently with traditional medicines. Conclusions This study provides an overview of various CAM remedies used to treat gynaecological disorders in the Jordanian society, which would draw attention to the necessity of conducting interventional studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CAM in treating gynaecological disorders, either as stand-alone or adjuvant treatment.

Complementary and alternative therapies in skin cancer a literature review of biologically active compounds.

Complementary and alternative medicine or therapies (CAM) are frequently used by skin cancers patients. Patient's self-administration of CAM in melanoma can reach up to 40%-50%. CAMs such as botanical agents, phytochemicals, herbal formulas ("black salve") and cannabinoids, among others, have been described in skin cancer patients. The objective of this review article was to acknowledge the different CAM for skin cancers through the current evidence, focusing on biologically active CAM rather than mind-body approaches. We searched MEDLINE database for articles published through July 2022, regardless of study design. Of all CAMs, phytochemicals have the best in vitro evidence-supporting efficacy against skin cancer including melanoma; however, to date, none have proved efficacy on human patients. Of the phytochemicals, Curcumin is the most widely studied. Several findings support Curcumin efficacy in vitro through various molecular pathways, although most studies are in the preliminary phase. In addition, the use of alternative therapies is not exempt of risks physicians should be aware of their adverse effects, interactions with standard treatments, and possible complications arising from CAM usage. There is emerging evidence for CAM use in skin cancer, but no human clinical trials support the effectiveness of any CAM in the treatment of skin cancer to date. Nevertheless, patients worldwide frequently use CAM, and physicians should educate themselves on currently available CAMs.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in self-management of diabetes: A qualitative study of patient and user conversations in online forums

BackgroundAn important part of diabetes self-management includes discussing and seeking informal advice from others.AimThis study aimed to explore beliefs and experiences of patients in relation to their use of CAM in diabetes through the use of data from online patient forum discussions.MethodGoogle search engine was used to identify relevant web-based online discussion forums in English language focussing on CAM use (including herbal and other unorthodox therapies) in diabetes and posted by either patients or carers. No date limit was imposed. A qualitative content analysis was adopted for analysis.ResultsTwenty-two online forums containing 77 threads with 1156 posts and replies were identified. Seven major themes emerged from the data analysis including: patient beliefs regarding CAM use, perceived effectiveness and safety of CAM, evidence base and information seeking. Patients used online forums to seek information about the benefits, side effects and share positive and negative experiences of CAM use. Feeling stressed, frustrated or overwhelmed with diabetes and prescribed medications was often linked to their decisions to use CAM. They described that healthcare professionals were often unaware or unable to help in regards to their queries around CAMs.ConclusionPatients with diabetes use online forums to share information regarding CAM use. There is a scope for professional societies, patient charities and health systems to offer such online platforms to promote rationale use of CAM, provide evidence-based information to patients and alleviate fears and concerns around diabetes and prescribed medicines.

Investigation of the relationship between the use of complementary alternative medicine and illness perception and illness cognition in patients with diabetic foot ulcer

Objective: to examine the relationship between illness perception, illness cognition, and other sociodemographic characteristics of individuals with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and their complementary alternative therapies (CAM) use within the framework of self-regulation model (SRM). Material and methodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with 220 individuals with DFU in the Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases outpatient clinic of two training and research hospitals between December 5, 2020, and June 5, 2021. Research data were collected by using the Patient Information Form, Brief Illness Perception Scale (BIPS), and Illness Cognition Questionnaire (ICQ). Descriptive statistical methods and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to were used in the evaluation of the data. The determinants of the CAM use status of the patients were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. ResultsIt was determined that 136 (61.81%) patients who used CAM mostly preferred herbal methods. Patients' mean scores were 42.23 ± 5.66 on the total BIPS, 39.65 ± 16.01 on the total ICQ. Increasing age, female gender, increased disease perception (BIPS) and disease cognition (ICQ) increased the use of CAM (Nagelkerke R2:0.552; Model: x2 = 168.579 p = 0.00) ConclusionsIt was determined that our patients frequently preferred CAM. Predictors of CAM use were identified as female gender, advanced age, illness perception, and illness cognition. Accordingly, for effective management of DFU, besides the comprehensive evaluation of individuals with DFU and the provision of wound care by health care professionals, illness perceptions, illness cognition, and CAM use should be considered carefully.

Perspectives of Complementary and Alternative Medicine use by cancer patients in a regional hospital in North Queensland, Australia

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate CAMs used, and reasons for and disclosure of this use by cancer patients in a regional hospital in North Queensland, Australia. MethodsPatients attending the Day Oncology Unit of the Townsville University Hospital were invited to participate in a self-completed questionnaire or telephone interview regarding perspectives of their CAM use. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-squared and independent t-tests were performed to allow comparison between the responses by CAM users and non-users. Results102 completed questionnaires were used in the analysis, where 40.2 % of respondents were found to be using some form of CAM. Cannabis, magnesium, and massage were the most prominent therapies used, with cannabis use in cancer, not commonly reported in prior literature. The main reasons given for using CAM were to treat symptoms of cancer, side-effects of treatment or to improve general health. Two-thirds of these respondents disclosed their CAM use to health professionals mostly to obtain a professional opinion or due to concerns of interactions with cancer treatment. CAM users were statistically more likely to have used CAM prior to their cancer diagnosis and have lower emotional wellbeing than non-users. Non-CAM users indicated that a lack of knowledge of CAM or concerns regarding interactions with cancer treatment were the most popular reasons for not adopting these therapies. ConclusionWhile lower than the averages of previously published CAM use, our study highlights that there is still a significant group of cancer patients in the North Queensland region using CAMs.

Real Time Object Detection Using Deep Learning

Abstract: Visually impaired people have difficulty moving safely and independently, which interferes with normal indoor and outdoor work and social activities. Similarly, they have a hard time identifying the basics of the environment. This paper presents a model for detecting the brightness and key colors of real-time images using the RGB method with an external camera and identifying basic objects and face recognition from human datasets.[2]. Object detection is a department of pc imaginative and prescient that appears for times of lexical entities in photographs and videos. The gadget makes use of the ESP-32 Cam's digital digicam to continuously seize severa frames, which can be sooner or later converted to audio segments. In this project, we use the You Only Look Once V3 (YOLO v3)algorithm, which runs thru a version of a really complex Convolutional Neural Network structure with OpenCV. Then with the aid of using the usage of Google Text to Speech, we convert the photo to textual content and afterwards textual content - to - speech for the visually impaired individual. Thus, the Visually Impaired individual receives the place of the gadgets withinside the digital digicam's view through audio. Distance calculation is aided with the aid of using an ultrasonic sensor. By the usage of The amassed consequences show that the proposed prototype is a hit in presenting visually impaired customers with the cappotential to realise surprising settings the usage of a user-pleasant machine that integrates this unique item detection Model

Complementary and Alternative Treatment Use in Breast Cancer Patients in the Eastern Black Sea Region—A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Introduction Complementary and alternative therapies (CAMs) are being increasingly and frequently used in the treatment of cancer patients in the last two decades. Objectives It was aimed to examine the frequency of the use of CAMs in patients with breast cancer who applied to the outpatient clinic. Materials and Methods Patients who were admitted to our clinic between January 2020 and 2021 and diagnosed with breast cancer for at least 3 months were included in the study. A questionnaire consisting of 37 questions was asked to the patients by the interviewer. Sociodemographic characteristics and CAM methods of the patients were questioned in the questionnaire. Results This is a cross-sectional study that includes 338 patients. After the questionnaire was completed, the answers were evaluated, and it was detected that 147 (43.4%) patients were using CAM. Herbal treatment methods were preferred most frequently. The most frequently used herbs were turmeric, nettle, ginger, and linden. The second method used was treatments based on religious belief. The use of CAM increased as the income level of the patients increased and the duration of diagnosis increased. Conclusion It was determined that our patients frequently used CAM methods and mostly preferred herbal methods. Since the use of CAMs during or after treatment may create undesirable results in the treatment of patients, it is necessary to be careful about this issue and inform as well as question the patients about the same.

A qualitative investigation of the perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine among adults in Hawaiʻi

BackgroundComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is defined as a group of diverse medical and healthcare practices outside of conventional medicine modalities. The use of CAM is steadily increasing despite gaps in the scientific evidence supporting its use and the challenges of its regulation and integration into conventional healthcare practices. In this context, perceptions concerning CAM become important. The purpose of this study is to identify the perceptions of CAM among adult residents of Hawaiʻi.MethodsTwo researchers conducted audio-recorded interviews at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa (UHM) campus. Participants were over the age of 18, spoke English fluently, and self-identified as Hawaiʻi residents. Interviews were conducted to the point of data saturation and audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Researchers collaboratively developed a codebook and used NVivo 12 to analyze transcripts. New codes were added as required. Inter-rater reliability was determined by calculating Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Key themes were identified by both researchers individually and then discussed and evaluated together.ResultsParticipants were mostly female, white, and affiliated with UHM. Perceptions were categorized as positive, negative, and neutral. The majority of participants had positive perceptions of CAM with few reporting negative perceptions. The positive perceptions were related to CAM’s perceived effectiveness, the desirability of CAM compared to conventional medicine, and CAM’s ability to foster well-being. Negative perceptions were attributed to the lack of scientific evidence and ineffective outcomes of CAM use. Neutral perceptions of CAM related to its safety and natural characteristics.ConclusionsThe study found mainly positive perceptions of CAM among Hawaiʻi residents. Use of CAM is on the rise despite CAM lacking robust empirical evidence demonstrating efficacy across various medical conditions. With insufficient data and understanding of current medical literature, CAM users place themselves at risk for harmful herb-herb and herb-drug interactions. These findings have implications for healthcare providers of both conventional medicine and CAM traditions.

Discoursing the use of complementary therapy for cancer care in Indonesia: A perspective

The use of CAM in Indonesia is relatively high, but this method is still considered a second-class treatment. There are still many modern medical practitioners who have not accepted this method as a method of treatment that can be accounted for. This article attempts to explain why complementary-alternative medicine continues to develop and why it needs to be widely proposed as a treatment method of choice, in addition to modern medical treatment. Conventional medical medicine or modern medicine and complementary-alternative medicine have different philosophical foundations, so imposing an assessment using biomedical methods to prove the efficacy of CAM seems less appropriate. Suppose evidence of efficacy is required for CAM to be accepted. In that case, it seems that research methods with qualitative and anthropological approaches should be chosen that provide more space for individual experiences in the use of CAM.
 Keywords: complementary and alternative medicine; modern medicine; discourse, biomedical; anthropology

Combination of effective use of irrigation and mineral nutritionfor growing table potatoes

The relevance of the study is conditioned by a decrease in the moisture supply of agricultural crops during the growing season due to climate changes and a tendency to reduce the moisture supply of agricultural crops. At the same time, the main approach to solving this problem is to combine fertigation with irrigation. The purpose of the study is to establish the dependence of the productivity of potatoes on the intensive farming system when using irrigation. Using the example of an agricultural enterprise typical for the region, the volume of nitrogen fertilisers applied to fully provide the crop during the growing season is estimated. To obtain scientific results, an analytical search was carried out and a field, laboratory, and statistical methods of processing the results were applied. As a result of the research, the distribution of nitrogen in comparison with losses in combination with organogenesis phases was optimised. To ensure communication between the plant, soil, and fertilisers, CAM 32 was used in doses of N30N15, which affected the structural indicators of the potato crop. When applying CAM 32 (N30) + H2O, the weight of tubers was obtained at the level of 4.65 kg/m2, and the yield increase was 0.5 t/ha. When using nitrogen with MgSO4, the yield increased to 1.5 t/ha compared to the control. In the process of transformation, it was found that the use of nitrogen nutrition CAM 32 (N15) + MgSO4 + Ca(NO3)2 + H2O contributed to the most intensive development of tuber mass up to 4.85 kg/m2 compared to the control – 4.6 kg/m2. In the final product, an increase in the fraction was observed and amounted to more than 55 g/plant. The analysis of yield indicates a positive trend in the use of nitrogen nutrition, where the increase was 2.5 t/ha. The studied data can be applied by agricultural producers in the Forest-Steppe and Polissia zones to obtain high yield gains when growing potatoes

Factors Associated with Simultaneous or Concurrent Use of Alcohol and Marijuana in Argentina

Background: The identification of factors promoting simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use is important to promote early intervention efforts. The associations between impulsivity facets and SAM (or concurrent alcohol and marijuana, CAM) use have been analyzed in North American samples. These topics, however, remain unexplored in South American samples. This study assessed if internalizing symptoms, five impulsivity dimensions, and emotional regulation strategies differentiate between participants who reported last 2-month SAM use, CAM use, alcohol, or marijuana only use, or that reported no substance use. Methods: A sample of 1057 Argentinian citizens answered an online survey. A multinominal logistic regression was conducted on drug use membership. Results: Circa 25% of the sample reported SAM use. Higher sensation seeking differentiated between SAM use versus no substance use, and those with lower sensation seeking were more likely to be classified into the alcohol-only group or into the nonuse group, than into the SAM use group. Stress scores uniquely predicted membership into the alcohol-only category. Those with lower use of emotional suppression were more likely than nonusers to be classified in all drug use categories, except CAM use. Higher emotional suppression scores were associated with membership into the nonuse group or the alcohol-only group, when compared to the SAM use group. Hazardous drinking was significantly greater in SAM than in alcohol-only users. Conclusions: The study highlights the relevance of sensation seeking as a predictor of SAM use and pinpoints emotional suppression as common factor modulating hazardous drug use behaviors.

Cannabinoids reduce opioid use in older patients with pain : Retrospective three-year analysis of data from a general practice

Relevant data for the prescription and therapeutic effects of medical cannabinoids (CAM) are still missing in everyday medicine especially for elderly and geriatric patients. Documentation of prescription (duration, age) of CAM (dronabinol, nabiximols, cannabinoid extracts) and co-medicated opioids in adoctor's office specializing in pain. Analysis of the consumption of opioids (morphine equivalent) and CAM (THC equivalent) for age and gender. In all, 178 patients with chronic pain were treated for aperiod of 366 days (median; range 31-2590 days). Median age was 72years (26-96years); 115 were women (64.8%). Of these, 34were younger than 65years, 42were 65-80years and 40were more than 80years old. Of the 63men, 29were younger than 65years, 24were 65-80years and 10were older than 80years. Indications for CAM were chronic pain and the limitations for opioids because of side effects and worsening of quality of life. To total of 1001 CAM were prescribed, 557 (55.6%) dronabinol as liquid, 328 (32.7%) as full spectrum extracts and66 (6.6%) as oro-mucosal nabiximols spray. 50prescriptions (5%) contained more than one CAM simultaneously. The daily consumption of dronabinol liquor and extracts were 9.6 mg/day (median), and of spray 13.6 mg. The dosage over time did not change in patients older than64; in younger patients, there was anon-significant increasing trend. Women requested lower THCdosages compared to men (8.1 mg vs. 14.8 mg). Furthermore, 10patients (5.6%) stopped CAM because of failing effectivity, 7(3.9%) because of failing cost coverage and only 5because of adverse side effects. 115 patients (65%) with CAM also received opioids a median 65 mg/day morphine equivalents. This opioid dosage was significantly reduced in course of time by 24 mg/day morphine equivalents or 50%. This reduction was independent on CAM dosage, age and gender. Patients with chronic pain profit from long-term CAM which safely and significantly lower the consumption of comedicated opioids, even at low dosages (< 7.5 mg/day). For women, low-dose THC may be sufficient. Older patients benefit from CAM, and adverse effects do not limit the (chronic) use and prescription of CAM in the elderly.

Penggunaan Terapi Komplementer Terkait Kualitas Hidup Survivor Kanker Payudara Stadium Lanjut

This study aims to see how the effect of complementary therapy on the quality of life of survivors of advanced breast cancer. The research method used is a scoping review where the author uses four databases, namely Google Scholar, Pubmed, Proquest, and Science direct, from 2013 to 2021. The type of research sought uses cross-sectional and retrospective observational. The results showed that alternative, complementary therapies often used by breast cancer survivors were herbs, spiritual therapy, vitamin and mineral supplements, mind-body manipulative practices, and exercise. However, five articles state that there is no association between the use of CAM on the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. However, seven other articles said that there was a positive effect of CAM on the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. In conclusion, the coordination of alternative, complementary medicine with conventional cancer treatment and standard procedures will ensure that patient care can be provided with maximum quality standards, the highest information standards, and maximum treatment safety.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Breast Cancer, Quality of Life, Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Efficacy of open dialogue about complementary and alternative medicine compared with standard care in improving quality of life in patients undergoing conventional oncology treatment (CAMONCO 2): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been shown to reduce symptoms and adverse effects and improve quality of life of patients undergoing conventional oncology treatment, but CAM might also cause...