Patterns Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine Use Research Articles

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Dermatology Outpatients in Southeastern Nigeria: A Tertiary Hospital Study

Background: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is widely used globally, including among dermatology patients. CAM includes different practices not typically part of conventional medicine and is classified into five categories, including biologically based therapies and mind-body interventions. Despite its popularity, little is known about CAM usage patterns among dermatology outpatients in Southeastern Nigeria. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, the sociodemographic characteristics of dermatology outpatients using CAM and reasons for its usage. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, between August to November 2022. Methodology: We recruited 212 dermatology outpatients through convenient sampling. Data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires capturing sociodemographics, dermatological conditions, and CAM usage patterns.Data analysis was performed using SPSS™ Version 23.0, with chi-square tests determining associations between variables at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: Among 212 participants recruited, the prevalence of CAM use was 34.4%. The median age was 28 years, and more females (56.1%) than males (43.9%) used CAM. Acne (17.8%), psoriasis (16.4%), and mycoses (11%) were the most common conditions among CAM users. Biologically based therapies, particularly plant-based products like aloe vera, were the most frequently used CAM. Family recommendations (16%) and perceived safety (12.3%) were key reasons for CAM use. CAM usage was significantly associated with longer disease duration (P < .001). Conclusion: The high prevalence of CAM use among dermatology outpatients in Southeastern Nigeria highlights the need for clinicians to recognize and consider alternative therapies in patient care. Understanding the patterns of CAM use can also guide clinicians in advising patients on safe and evidence-based alternatives. Future research on the efficacy and safety of CAM in dermatology is crucial to develop comprehensive, evidence-based treatment strategies that encompass both conventional and complementary therapies.

The Prevalence and Pattern of Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Saudi Patients With Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in Saudi Arabia. Patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, tend to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) either as an addition or alternative to their medical therapy. Many studies have evaluated the CAM herbal products used by patients with diabetes; however, there have been few and inconsistent studies on other types of CAM, and most studies on CAM have focused on their use in type 2 diabetes. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence and patterns of CAM use among patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in an adult Saudi population at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from December 2019 to February 2020 using a data collection form and patient interviews. Results We included 332 patients, 43% of whom had type 1 diabetes; 26% of the patients had previously used one or more types of CAM. Approximately 53% of CAM users had glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of ≥9%. Among CAM users, 51% mentioned that their blood sugar readings were improved with CAM treatments. Mind-body therapy was the most commonly used CAM (54%), followed by biologically based CAM, including herbs (46%). The most commonly used herbal supplements were black cumin (42%), followed by fenugreek (28%), myrrh (24%), frankincense (22%), cinnamon (15%), garlic (15%), and onion (15%). Older age and employment status were predictors of CAM use in Saudi patients with diabetes. The main sources of knowledge about CAM were from family and friends. Conclusions CAM use is common among Saudi Arabian patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes who are aged >65 years and employment status were the main predictor of CAM use. Assessing CAM use is an important aspect of clinical encounters with Saudi patients, especially patients with type 1 diabetes.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the context of cancer; prevalence, reasons for use, disclosure, information received, risks and benefits reported by people with cancer in Norway

BackgroundResearch exploring the use of specific Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) modalities by Norwegian cancer patients is sparse. The aims of this study were therefor to map the different CAM modalities cancer patients use and further investigate their rationale for use, communication about use, self-reported benefits and harms, and their sources of information about the different modalities.MethodsIn cooperation with the Norwegian Cancer Society (NCS), we conducted an online cross-sectional study among members of their user panel with present or previously cancer (n = 706). The study was carried out in September/October 2021 using a modified cancer-specific version of the International Questionnaire to Measure Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-Q). In total, 468 members, 315 women and 153 men, agreed to participate resulting in a response rate of 67.2%. The study was reported in accordance with the National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine’s (NAFKAM) model of reporting CAM use.ResultsA large proportion of the participants (79%, n = 346) had used some form of CAM with a mean of 3.8 modalities each (range 1-17); 33% (n = 143) had seen a CAM provider, 52% (n = 230) had used natural remedies, while 58% (n = 253) had used self-help practices. Most of the participants used CAM to increase their quality of life, cope with the cancer disease or for relaxation/well-being (64%-94%), mostly with high satisfaction and low rates of adverse effects. Few used CAM to treat cancer or prevent it from spreading (16%, n = 55). The main information sources were health care providers (47%), the internet (47%), and family and friends (39%). More than half (59%) of the cancer patients discussed their use of at least one CAM modality with a physician.ConclusionsThe results of this survey will provide health professionals with more in-depth insight into the patterns of CAM use by cancer patients and facilitate better-informed discussions with their patients. Considering the high use of CAM, reliable information provision supporting cancer care providers’ knowledge and health literacy among patients as well as good communication are crucial. The cooperation between the NCS and NAFKAM provides an example of how to address these issues.

Perspectives of East Asian patients and physicians on complementary and alternative medicine use for inflammatory bowel disease: results of a cross-sectional, multinational study.

Background/Aims Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is prevalent in East Asia. However, information on CAM in East Asian patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is scarce. We aimed to profile the prevalence and pattern of CAM use among East Asian IBD patients and to identify factors associated with CAM use. We also compared physicians’ perspectives on CAM.Methods Patients with IBD from China, Japan, and South Korea were invited to complete questionnaires on CAM use. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected. Logistic regression analysis was applied for predictors of CAM use. Physicians from each country were asked about their opinion on CAM services or products.Results Overall, 905 patients with IBD participated in this study (China 232, Japan 255, and South Korea 418). Approximately 8.6% of patients with IBD used CAM services for their disease, while 29.7% of patients sought at least 1 kind of CAM product. Current active disease and Chinese or South Korean nationality over Japanese were independent predictors of CAM use. Chinese doctors were more likely to consider CAM helpful for patients with IBD than were Japanese and South Korean doctors.Conclusions In 8.6% and 29.7% of East Asian patients with IBD used CAM services and products, respectively, which does not differ from the prevalence in their Western counterparts. There is a significant gap regarding CAM usage among different Asian countries, not only from the patients’ perspective but also from the physicians’ point of view.

The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Thai Gynecologic Oncology Patients: Influencing Factors.

Background To determine the factors influencing the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in gynecologic cancer patients and the prevalence and pattern of CAM use. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 370 gynecologic cancer patients conducted at the outpatient clinic, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. After obtaining informed consent, participants were asked to complete a standardized questionnaire including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, detail of CAM use, attitude of CAM use, and quality of life using EORTC-QLQ-C30. Results The prevalence of CAM use was 25.13%. The most common type was herbal medicine (55.90%). The participants who resided or had a birthplace in rural areas presented with a higher proportion of CAM use than those in urban areas (P=0.470 and P=0.004, respectively). Participants who received multiple modalities of cancer treatment reported a significantly higher proportion of CAM use (P=0.024). Most CAM users agreed that the CAM could be used in combination with standard treatment, and some rather disagreed that CAM could interrupt the treatment effect of the conventional treatment. CAM users had significantly higher role functioning in quality-of-life scores. Conclusion Factors influencing CAM use in gynecologic cancer patients were rural area birthplace or residency, receiving multiple modalities of cancer treatment, having positive attitude toward CAM use. CAM users had better performance in role functioning in the quality-of-life score. Therefore, gynecologic oncologists should pay attention to these factors in order to communicate with gynecologic cancer patients about CAM use.

Prevalence of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among General Population in South India - A Cross-Sectional Study

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to a wide range of clinical therapies outside of conventional medicine used along with the physician prescribed drugs to complement the treatment. It is widely accepted and used across the globe. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of use of CAM among the general population and to determine the acceptability, extent and pattern of CAM use. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was done among the general population in South India. 300 participants aged >18 years were included in the study irrespective of their genders. An interviewer-administered questionnaire with 20 questions was used to assess CAM usage. The statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test using SPSS version 25. The mean age was 50.39 (± 15.67) years. CAM usage was significantly influenced by age, educational qualification, occupation, geographical area and accessibility to a health care facility. The prevalence of CAM usage was found to be 62%. Homeopathy/Herbal medicine (34%) was the most commonly used CAM. About 35% had used CAM without the knowledge of their treating physician. More than 60% believe that CAM is safe with fewer side effects and around half of them had symptomatic relief following CAM usage. Our study results indicate the need for more studies testing various CAM modalities exploring their uses, adverse effects & interactions with other drugs, which in turn can guide the physicians in their treatment.

The trends of complementary alternative medicine use among cancer patients

BackgroundThe use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common among cancer patients and it may reflect the individual and societal beliefs on cancer therapy. Our study aimed to evaluate the trends of CAM use among patients with cancer between 2006 and 2018.MethodsWe included 2 Cohorts of patients with cancer who were recruited for Cohort 1 between 2006 and 2008 and for Cohort 2 between 2016 and 2018. The study is a cross-sectional study obtaining demographic and clinical information and inquiring about the types of CAM used, the reasons to use them and the perceived benefits. We compared the changes in the patterns of CAM use and other variables between the two cohorts.ResultsA total of 1416 patients were included in the study, with 464 patients in Cohort 1 and 952 patients in Cohort 2. Patients in Cohort 2 used less CAM (78.9%) than Cohort 1 (96.8%). Cohort 1 was more likely to use CAM to treat cancer compared to Cohort 2 (84.4% vs. 73%, respectively, p < 0.0001,); while Cohort 2 used CAM for symptom management such as pain control and improving appetite among others. Disclosure of CAM use did not change significantly over time and remains low (31.6% in Cohort 1 and 35.7% for Cohort 2). However, physicians were more likely to express an opposing opinion against CAM use in Cohort 2 compared to Cohort 1 (48.7% vs. 19.1%, p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionThere is a significant change in CAM use among cancer patients over the decade, which reflects major societal and cultural changes in this population. Further studies and interventions are needed to improve the disclosure to physicians and to improve other aspects of care to these patients.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among hypertensive patients receiving biomedical treatment: a cross-sectional survey at the LEKMA General Hospital in Accra, Ghana.

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is on the increase globally and there is an increased rate of usage among hypertensive patients. Objective: This study was designed to describe CAM use among hypertensive patients at a municipal hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of hypertensive patients at a Municipal Assembly Hospital was conducted. Respondents were made up of 209 (99 CAM users and 110 non-Cam users) selected randomly from patients attending the hypertension clinic. The pattern of CAM use, clinical profiles of respondents, and their attitudes toward CAM were examined. Descriptive statistics and the Chi Square test were used for data analysis. Results: Out of the 209 patients interviewed, 99 (47.36%) had used at least one type of CAM mostly herbal products (72.72%, n =72).The CAM users demonstrated poorer adherence to antihypertensive medications (30.30%, n =30) as compared to non-CAM users (8.08%, n = 80). We observed a positive association between non-CAM use and medication adherence (p = 0.001). The majority (72.72%, n = 72) of the CAM users claimed to have obtained the expected effect, however,89.89% (n = 89) did not disclose their CAM use to their physician. They cited lack of inquiry by physicians as the main reason for non-disclosure. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of hypertensive patients receiving conventional treatment at a municipal hospital also use CAM therapies. Physicians should be encouraged to inquire about the history of CAM use among their patients to be able to advise patients concerning the possible adverse reactions and drug interactions.

Patterns and Outcomes of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adult Patients With Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes demyelination of the central nervous system. No treatment has been shown to be curative; thus, we assume that the tendency for patients with MS to use unconventional therapies, such as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), might increase. The aim of this study was to explore the pattern of CAM use among patients with MS at a tertiary health care center in Saudi Arabia (SA).This was a questionnaire-based observational cross-sectional study that targeted adult patients diagnosed with MS at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, SA, from 2018 to 2019. The sample size included 176 patients, and a consecutive non-probability sampling technique was used to engage them during their appointments. An Arabic questionnaire was used to evaluate patients’ use of CAM.The mean age of participants was 34.6 ± 10.9 years, females represented the majority 125 (71%) of participants, and 89% of the participants reported using CAM at least once, with one or more modalities being used. Prayer, Salat, was the most frequent modality (60%) followed by supplication, Dua'a (59%), Ruqia, reciting Holy Quran (52%), and vitamins (44%). Symptomatic improvement was reported by 49 (27.8%) of dietary supplement users and 81 (46%) of non-dietary supplement medicine users.The study found a high prevalence of CAM utilization among Saudi adult patients with MS, which exceeded internationally reported rates. Although some patients described some improvement in their symptoms, further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of CAM.

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

Objectives: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 gatheredResults: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.

Patterns of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Saudi Arabian Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) concerns a group of chronic autoimmune diseases that results in uncontrolled inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can lead to long-term complications. Conventional treatments for IBD usually target inflammation and include biologics and immunosuppressants, which have been associated with significant adverse effects. Also, non-response to biologics has been reported in up to 50% of patients. Hence, patients sometimes turn to unconventional methods of treatment, such as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In this study, we examine patterns of CAM use in Saudi patients diagnosed with IBD.Materials and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with IBD who were seen at the outpatient gastroenterology clinic between January 2018 and December 2019. Adult patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) were identified and surveyed. Clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, radiologic, and histologic data were collected. The patients completed a detailed questionnaire focusing on CAM use. Descriptive statics, quantitative variables, means, standard deviations (SDs), and minimum and maximum values or medians with interquartile ranges were used where appropriate; for qualitative variables, we reported frequencies. The prevalence of CAM use was calculated using standard prevalence formulae. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for CAM use. A p-value of <0.05 was set as statistically significant.ResultsA total of 71 IBD patients were surveyed, of which 75% had CD. Severe symptoms were reported by 54% of patients, and 41% were receiving biological treatment; 90% of this cohort reported using some form of CAM, of which 78% used them within the past year, and 52% reported CAM treatment having a positive effect. Of note, 63% of patients reported using CAM therapy without the knowledge of their treating physician. The most common source of advice regarding the use of CAM medicine was relatives (66%), and the most common forms of CAM used were honey (62%), Zamzam water (54%), and physical activity (32%). Binary logistic regression analysis identified watery diarrhea (OR=5.7, 95% CI=1.0-31, P=0.04) and azathioprine (OR=18.1, 95% CI=1.3-255, P=0.03) as predictors of CAM use.ConclusionsCAM use is very common in Saudi patients with IBD. The majority of patients seem to turn to CAM if their symptoms are severe. They generally appear to be influenced by culture, the Internet, local society, and family tradition in their decision to use CAM, rather than expert advice from their treating physician.

385 Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in patients with cutaneous lymphoma

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are a group of rare non-Hodgkin lymphomas that can cause significant morbidity and adversely affect patients’ quality of life (QoL). Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) includes therapies that are not part of traditional Western medical care. CAM therapies have demonstrated potential benefits in both cancer and skin disease, however, there are few studies examining patterns of CAM use among patients with cutaneous lymphoma (CL). We performed a cross-sectional study assessing CAM use and QoL in patients with CL via an electronic survey administered to patients via the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation from February-April 2019. A total of 300 patient responses (67% female, mean age 57y) were included in analysis. The most common type of CL among respondents was mycosis fungoides (84%, n=246), followed by Sézary Syndrome (12%, n=35). A majority (58%) of patients reported using CAM for their CL, with 48% using CAM to treat their disease and 46% using CAM to manage their symptoms. The most commonly used CAM in our cohort were vitamins/minerals (32%), prayer/meditation (26%), diet (24%), and exercise/yoga (22%). QoL as assessed by the Skindex-16 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) was worse among patients who reported CAM use; Skindex scores were 51 ± 27 among CAM users compared to 38 ± 26 for non-CAM users (p<0.001). Higher itch scores were reported by patients using CAM compared to non-users (37 ± 29 and 26 ± 26 respectively; p=0.002). CAM use is common among patients with CL, and CAM use is higher among those with worse itching and worse QoL.

Changes in prevalence and perception of complementary and alternative medicine use in Korean inflammatory bowel disease patients: results of an 8-year follow-up survey.

Background/AimsThe use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a global phenomenon, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. We aimed to assess the change in prevalence and patterns of CAM use, and attitudes towards CAM over an 8-year time interval (2006 vs. 2014) among IBD patients in Korea.MethodsA total of 221 IBD patients (CD=142, UC=79) were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding CAM at two time points: at enrollment (2006) and 8 years later (2014/2015).ResultsThe proportion of patients ever using CAM increased significantly from 60.2% in 2006 to 79.6% in 2014 (P<0.001), while the proportion of current CAM users increased slightly (35.7% to 38.0%, P=0.635); 21.7% used CAM consistently at both time points. The proportion of patients who felt CAM was less effective (P<0.001) and more expensive (P=0.04) than conventional treatments increased over time. Also, the proportion among ever CAM users who perceived a positive effect from CAM significantly decreased in 2014 compared to 2006 (P=0.004). Higher education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.10), prior side effects to conventional therapies (aOR, 2.23), and prior use of corticosteroids (aOR, 2.51) were associated with CAM use. Interestingly, use of CAM before IBD diagnosis (aOR, 2.73) was significantly associated with consistent CAM use.ConclusionsAlthough the attitudes toward CAM have become less favorable, the majority of IBD patients have experienced CAM with an overall increase of current CAM users over time. Moreover, more than half of current CAM users used CAM consistently over time.

Cross-sectional survey of complementary and alternative medicine used in Oregon and Southwest Washington to treat multiple sclerosis: A 17-Year update

BackgroundIn 2001, we conducted a survey on use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) in Oregon and Southwest Washington to treat their disease. Objectives, MethodsIn 2018, we administered a revised survey in the same region to describe updated patterns of CAM use in pwMS and to compare changes in use, perceived benefit, and patterns of communication between participants and providers regarding CAM over the past 17 years. Results81% of respondents in 2018 (n = 1014) used a CAM supplement (vitamins, minerals, herbs), 39% used mind-body therapies (mindfulness, massage), 41% used specific diet, and 81% used exercise to treat their multiple sclerosis. Since 2001, use of supplements, exercise, and mind-body therapies have increased (65% to 81%, 67 to 81%, and 14% to 39%). Participants were also nine times more likely to speak to their neurologists about CAM use (6.7% to 55.4%). In 2018, factors associated with CAM use included female sex, progressive disease, and longer time since multiple sclerosis diagnosis. ConclusionThese findings highlight the high and increasing prevalence of CAM use in pwMS and factors associated with CAM use, and underscore the importance of research to investigate safety and efficacy of these therapies.

Perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine among Saudi patients with vitiligo

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in dermatology has been increasing in recent years. Patterns of CAM use by vitiligo patients have not previously been assessed in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is worth exploring the perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes of Saudi vitiligo patients toward CAM. A cross-sectional study was conducted for 12 months among Saudi vitiligo patients at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. A validated self-administered questionnaire, comprised of four sections, was used to collect the data. Descriptive analysis was used, and a chi-squared test was used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Two hundred patients with vitiligo were enrolled, 56% of whom were female. The average age was 31.6 ± 15.45 years. Approximately 52% of the patients were either current or previous users of CAM. Among the patients, 44.5% had been asked by their dermatologist about their CAM use, and 18.5% preferred not to disclose their CAM use. Social media was the most common source of information for CAM (28%). More than half of the vitiligo patients in our study used some form of CAM. The most popular remedies were honey (37%), Nigella sativa (29%), and olive oil (29%).

Patterns of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adult Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes demyelination of the central nervous system. No treatment has shown to be completely effective, thus, the tendency for patients with MS to use non-conventional therapies like Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) might increase. The study aims to explore the pattern of CAM use among patients with MS at a tertiary health care center in Saudi Arabia. This is a questionnaire-based observational cross-sectional study that targeted adult patients diagnosed with MS at a tertiary care center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study sample size was 176 patients, and consecutive non-probability sampling technique was used to approach them during their appointments. An Arabic validated questionnaire was used to evaluate patients’ use of CAM. The mean age was 34.6 ± 10.9 years, and the majority of patients were females. Eighty-nine percent of the participants reported using CAM at least once. Praying was the most frequent modality (60%), followed by supplication (59%), Ruqia (52%), and vitamins (44%). Symptomatic improvement was reported by 49 (27.8%) of complementary medicine users and 81 (46%) of alternative medicine users. The study found a high prevalence of CAM utilization among Saudi adult patients with MS exceeding internationally reported rates. Although some patients described some improvement in their symptoms, further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of CAM.

The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Malaysian Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Many of our chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients venture into complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to seek a cure for the disease beyond conventional management. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of CAM usage; and its association with the progression of CKD in our population. This was a cross-sectional survey recruited CKD patients from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Data was collected via interview using questionnaires which explore the demographics, type and pattern of CAM use. Patients’ comorbidities and serum creatinine were extracted from the medical notes to assess the association between progression of CKD and usage of CAM. Chi-square, Independent Samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression were used to evaluate for an association. Three hundred and seventy two eligible patients were recruited. The prevalence of CAM use was 29% in the past year. Younger age, higher education and higher income level were associated with significantly more usage of CAM. Natural products were the commonest type of CAM used (86.1%). The belief in the effectiveness of CAM was the main reason for its uptake and about 57.8% revealed their practice to their physician. We found that the use of CAM in Malaysian CKD patients did not influence the progression of the disease.

Cancer patients\u2019 use of complementary and alternative medicine in Sweden: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAccess to and advice on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) are uncommon within Swedish conventional cancer care and little is known about cancer patients’ own use of CAM. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore Swedish cancer patients´ patterns of CAM use, their experiences and preferences.MethodsQuestionnaires were distributed consecutively to 1297 cancer patients at a university hospital’s out-patient oncology units. The response rate was 58% (n = 755). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the survey data. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between CAM use and gender, age and level of education. Open-ended responses were analyzed, using qualitative content analysis.ResultsLifetime CAM use was reported by 34% (n = 256), and 26% (n = 198) used CAM after cancer diagnosis. Being female, younger and having higher education predicted CAM use. Most commonly used methods were natural products including vitamins and minerals and relaxation. Main reasons for CAM use were improvement of physical, general and emotional wellbeing and increasing the body’s ability to fight cancer. Satisfaction with CAM usage was generally high. Reported adverse effects were few and mild; 54% of users spent < 50 Euro a month on CAM. One third had discussed their CAM use with cancer care providers. More than half of all participants thought that cancer care providers should be able to discuss (58%) and to consider (54%) use of CAM modalities in cancer care.ConclusionsDespite limited access and advice within conventional cancer care, one fourth of Swedish cancer patients use CAM. The insufficient patient-provider dialogue diverges with most patients’ wish for professional guidance in their decisions and integration of CAM modalities in conventional cancer care. Concurrent and multimodal CAM use implies challenges and possibilities for cancer care that need to be considered.

Evaluating the Demand for Integrative Medicine Practices in Breast and Gynecological Cancer Patients

Introduction: Integrative medicine is becoming increasingly relevant to modern oncology. The present study aims to assess the demand for integrative therapeutic approaches including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), body and mind practices, nutritional counseling, and psychological assistance among breast and gynecological cancer patients. Methods: From April to July 2017, a pseudo-anonymous questionnaire was distributed to cancer patients at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Technical University of Munich. Patterns of CAM use and demand for integrative health approaches were investigated by generating descriptive statistics. Results: 182 (90%) of 203 patients participated in the survey. 59% indicated the use of CAM practices in general, and 41% specifically in relation to their oncological disease. Most frequently used modalities were herbal supplements (32%), homeopathy (29%), vitamins (28%), and selenium (21%). Integrative health approaches that patients would have desired alongside conventional oncological treatment were CAM (54%), relaxation therapies (44%), and dietary counseling (43%). Conclusion: There is a considerable demand for integrative medicine among breast and gynecological cancer patients. Our results underline the need for the implementation of evidence-based integrative treatments in cancer care in order to meet the standards of modern oncology.

Study of the use of complementary and alternative medicine by cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

Cancer is not only a burden in the country but also a global burden with among the highest rate of mortality. In spite of the great strides made by the conventional therapy, many cancer patients have resorted to using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as human beings have an innate urge to try new and alternative ways to relieve their suffering. There is a need for us to establish if the cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi use CAM, to establish the socio-demographic characteristics of patients in the oncology clinic, to establish the types and patterns of CAM use, to establish the reasons and factors that may contribute to CAM use and if the primary health care provider is aware that they are using CAM. Face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires were used to determine the use of CAM by the cancer patients. All consenting cancer patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were interviewed as they presented to the oncology clinic. A total of 78 respondents were interviewed during the study out of which 35 (44.9%) were male, while 43 (55.1%) were female. The age distribution was from 18 to above. Eleven patients (14.1%) have used CAM at one point during their treatment. The use of CAM was not affected by the age, gender, and marital status, level of education and level of income. The most frequently used CAM was herbal medicine; 64.0% of the patients used CAM with the hope of curing their disease, while 36.0% used it with the hope of getting symptomatic relief. Among the CAM users, only 45.0% were satisfied with the use of it, while 55.0% were disappointed as it did not meet their expectations and would therefore never recommend the of CAM to anyone else; 27.0% obtained some benefit from the use of CAM, 27.0% did not experience any benefit and a further 46.0% were unclear about any notable benefit experienced; 55.0% of the CAM users had disclosed their use of CAM to the doctor, while 45.0% did not disclose this reason mostly because they do not feel it is important to let the doctor know as he/she never asks. The prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients in Kenyatta National Hospital ranks lower compared to other countries. The most common type of CAM in use is herbal medicine. However, most patients do not obtain the expected benefits and do not disclose this information to the doctors as they feel it is not important.