Traditional, Complementary And Alternative Medicine Use Research Articles

Utilization of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine Across Ethnically Diverse Asian Americans.

We conducted an analysis to identify factors influencing the use of traditional complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM), with a particular emphasis on ethnic variations. Using the 2015 Asian American Quality of Life survey (N = 2,609), logistic regression analyses were performed, considering acculturation, health status, healthcare accessibility/utilization, and socio-demographic factors. Ethnicity, specifically being Chinese or Korean Americans, having chronic medical conditions, experiencing unmet healthcare needs, and having regular check-ups were significant predictors of TCAM use among Asian Americans as a whole. However, when we delved into sub-ethnic groups, different patterns were found. Among Vietnamese and Filipino Americans, having unmet healthcare needs emerged as the most prominent predictor of TCAM use. Furthermore, acculturation level and English proficiency were significant in predicting Vietnamese and Filipino Americans' TCAM use, with the direction varying by sub-ethnicity. Being old emerged as a predictor of TCAM use for Chinese, Indian, Korean, and 'other' Americans. Our findings underscore the importance of adopting an ethnically sensitive approach when addressing the healthcare needs of diverse Asian American populations.

Reasons for using traditional and complementary care by people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy and association with interrupted care: a mixed methods study in Eswatini

The use of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) can lead to delays and interruptions in the HIV continuum of care. This study explores reasons for TCAM use in people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Eswatini and compares interrupted care between different types of TCAM users. Data were collected using surveys in the MaxART study (a test-and-treat trial) between 2014 and 2017 to assess the exposure, namely visiting a TCAM provider. Additionally, visit dates were retrieved from clinic records to assess the outcome, interrupted care. Open-ended questions were analysed with qualitative content analysis (n = 602) and closed questions with bivariable and multivariable analysis (n = 202). Out of 202 participants, 145 (72%) never used TCAM, 40 (20%) ever used, and 17 (8%) is currently using TCAM (diviners, herbalists, and religious healers). No differences in interrupted care were found comparing never (reference category), past (Odds Ratio: 1.31, 95% confidence interval: 0.63–2.72), and current users (1.34, 0.47–3.77), while adjusting for gender, time since HIV diagnosis, and time on ART. Contextual factors affecting the choice for TCAM were the influence of family, advice from the health facility, and religious beliefs. Individual factors include trust in biomedical care, type of illness, no need for additional care, and practical reasons such as financial means. In conclusion, individual and contextual factors influence the choice for TCAM. Interrupted care does not differ between never, past, and current users.

A Review on the Acceptability of Use of Traditional, Complimentary, and Alternative Medicines in the Management of Hypertension

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of published studies on the acceptability of the use of TCAM (Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine) in the management of hypertension. Hypertension as a long-term disease cannot be managed by drug therapy only, with that, a series of articles are included to provide evidence of how TCAM alleviates the condition of people suffering from hypertension. TCAM as the totality of expertise based on theories, concepts, and experiences in treating several conditions is essential in the healthcare system. In search of existing literature, the following databases are used: PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Cochrane. Literatures retrieved were classified and analyzed to evaluate the acceptability of the use of TCAM on the management of hypertension. Their health improves when they use traditional medicinal plants. However, a few people reported dizziness, stomach discomfort, burning, an unpleasant feeling, a drop in blood pressure and sugar, and a few persons were unsure. While Yoga, Meditation, Relaxation Techniques, Acupressure, and Acupuncture are among the most popular alternative medicine interventions that have been shown to lower blood pressure despite this evidence, it has not been proved clearly that they may be used to manage hypertension. Furthermore, the significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of hypertensive patients from the use of complementary and alternative interventions in the various articles reviewed can contribute positively to the reduction of blood pressure. Results found that TCAM has long been utilized to manage hypertension and the use of some TCAMs can be an acceptable means to manage hypertension, according to the studies.

Prevalence of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) among adult cancer patients in Malawi.

The objective of this study is to document the prevalence of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) use by adult cancer patients at a national teaching hospital in Malawi. We aim to document the products/therapies used, the reason for use, as well as patient-reported satisfaction with TCAM practitioners and modalities. We conducted investigator-administered interviews with adult cancer patients presenting to the Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) Cancer Clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi between January and July 2018. The KCH is a national teaching hospital in the capital of Lilongwe, which serves patients with cancer from the northern half of Malawi. Descriptive statistics were used to describe TCAM use and logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of TCAM. A total of 263 participants completed the survey, of which 70% (n = 183) were female and average age was 45 (SD 14) years old. The prevalence of overall TCAM use was 84% (n = 222), and 60% (n = 157) of participants reported combining TCAM with conventional cancer treatment. The majority of patients used TCAM to directly treat their cancer versus for symptom management. Patients reported using faith-based healing (64%, n = 168), herbal medicine (56%, n = 148), diet change (46%, n = 120), and vitamins/minerals (23%, n = 61). Participants reported the highest satisfaction for physicians among practitioners and diet change for modalities. Female gender was found to be a predictor of TCAM with conventional treatment use, no other significant predictors were observed. There is a high prevalence of TCAM use among an adult population with cancer in Malawi, and a wide variety in the TCAM modalities used among patients. Additional studies are needed to identify risks and benefits of TCAM use to assist with policy and public health, patient safety, and holistically address the global burden of cancer.

Establishment of a Digital Database for Traditional Herbal Medicines in Kenya

Traditional complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) is widely used and accepted worldwide. In Africa, the use of TCAM is increasing, with a few countries having developed digital databases for their traditional medicines. Lack of such databases has led to the tendency of researchers and herbalists to return to nature in search of new drugs. However, going back to nature searching for TCAM is a challenge because most herbalists are less educated and are advanced in age to continuously and accurately provide information on medicinal plants. These pose a risk of forever losing the rich ethnomedical knowledge, hence, the need to develop a freely accessible, national digital database with medicinal plants. Creating such a comprehensive digital database will involve collecting necessary data through theses, online research articles, and published books. The database will contain vital information on botanical and vernacular names of medicinal plants in Kenya, parts of plants used to treat diseases, therapeutic uses, the phytochemical compounds, toxicity, and the target proteins/genes. Kenya, therefore, needs to develop a national, freely accessible digital database for its medicinal plants. The database will provide vital information on TCAM for health workers, scientists, herbalists, policy-makers, and educators in Kenya and worldwide to hasten drug discovery and development.

Mamografi Ünitesine Başvuran Kadınlarda Geleneksel, Tamamlayıcı ve Alternatif Tıp Kullanımı: Tanımlayıcı Bir Araştırma

Objective: The study aimed to determine the factors associated with the use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) methods of women who applied to a mammography unit. Material and Methods: The descriptive study was carried out on 198 volunteer female patients. The data were obtained through a questionnaire form created by the researchers. Chi-square test was used in statistical analyses and p values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The required local ethics committee approval was obtained. Results: The mean age of the patients was 49.2±12.8 years, 29.3% applied for mammography screening and 70.7% applied for a control examination. The frequency of those who used any TCAM method was 47.5%. At the time of their initial diagnosis, 33% of the patients used TCAM during the treatment process. When comparing the sociodemographic features, reasons for admission, diagnosis times, and treatment methods of the used and non-used TCAM classes, no statistically significant differences were observed (p>0.05). And 60.0% of breast cancer patients who used TCAM and 81.3% of those with fibroadenome or breast cysts did not share information with their physicians that they used TCAM. Conclusion: Regardless of sociodemographic characteristics or breast disease diagnosis, it was determined that approximately half of the women who applied to the mammography unit used a TCAM method at any time in their lives. Considering that some TCAM methods can lead to diagnosis and treatment delays, we think that physicians questioning the use of TCAM in their patients should become a routine part of the examination.

Willingness to pay for traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) among Malaysian adults

Purpose Health plays a crucial role in the daily lives and supporting health is the important role of medicine. With the availability of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM), the demands and willingness to pay among users are increasing. Hence, this study aims to determine the psychological factors influencing the willingness to pay for TCAM among Malaysian adults. Design/methodology/approach In total, 300 completed self-administered questionnaires were collected from Malaysian adults using a purposive sampling method through intercepts at public health-care facilities. A structural equation modelling approach using partial least square was used to test the hypotheses. Findings The findings show that attitude, subjective norms, perceived price and knowledge have a significant impact on willingness to pay for TCAM. Surprisingly, there was no relationship found between perceived behavioural control and health consciousness on willingness to pay for TCAM. Originality/value The findings of this study are expected to provide better insights into TCAM use among Malaysian adults. The results are also important to encourage health-care institutions and practitioners to educate the general public on the safety of TCAM to ensure more health benefits to the users.

Prevalence of the use of traditional complementary and alternative medicine amongst cancer patients in a tertiary care center in Kerala, India

BackgroundUnmet needs of cancer patients prompt them to seek care from Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) practitioners. ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of TCAM use in a multi-specialty tertiary cancer center in South India. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional survey of cancer patients who used TCAM during the study period. The patients were recruited based on covenience sampling method. Result320 cancer patients were approached, out of which 279 (87.2%) patients responded, and the prevalence of TCAM use was 34.4%. Home remedies (36%) figure prominently, with family advice (40%) being the primary influence for the TCAM use. The key expectation was an improvement in the quality of life (49%). TCAM use was pronounced during the chemotherapy phase (50%). Most patients (76%) using TCAM reported satisfaction with the treatment. Majority of the patients did not disclose concomitant use of TCAM to their treating physicians (71%). ConclusionTCAM use by cancer patients is prevalent in Kerala. The study results point towards a need for large scale surveys, implementation of pharmacovigilance, patient education and research to identify and integrate TCAM interventions in cancer care that are safe and have beneficial effects.

Psychosocial influences on help-seeking behaviour for cancer in low-income and lower middle-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review

IntroductionStarting cancer treatment early can improve outcomes. Psychosocial factors influencing patients’ medical help-seeking decisions may be particularly important in low and lower middle-income countries (LMIC) where cancer outcomes are poor....

Prevalence, Determinants and Outcomes of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for Hypertension in Low-Income Households in Malaysia and the Philippines

Background: Traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) is widely used for a range of conditions, especially in Southeast Asia. This study examines the prevalence and characteristics of TCAM use for hypertension, its determinants, and its association with hypertension management outcomes and wellbeing among low-income adults in Malaysia and the Philippines. Methods: We analysed cross-sectional data from 946 randomly selected adults diagnosed with hypertension (495 in Malaysia, 451 in the Philippines) from low-income communities. We compared the prevalence and characteristics of TCAM use between countries and used multi-level, mixed-effects regression to estimate associations between TCAM use and its determinants, five hypertension management outcomes and wellbeing. Findings: The prevalence of TCAM use was higher in the Philippines than in Malaysia (18·8% vs 8·8%, p<0·001). Biologically-based modalities, e.g. herbal remedies, were the most common type of TCAM used in both countries. Belief that TCAM is effective for hypertension was a positive predictor of TCAM use while belief in Western medicine was a negative predictor. TCAM use was not associated with current use of medications for hypertension, self-reported medication adherence, blood pressure level and control, or wellbeing in either country. Interpretation: A small, but significant, proportion of individuals living in low-income communities in Malaysia and the Philippines use TCAM to manage their hypertension. Recognising that their patients may be engaging in TCAM will enable health care providers to deliver better, more patient-centred care. Funding: This study was supported by a grant from the Wellcome Trust/Newton Fund-MRC Humanities & Social Science Collaborative Award scheme (200346/Z/15/Z). Declaration of Interest: LMP-V, BP conceived and led the analysis and writing of this paper, contributing equally. LMP-V, BP, DB, FAM, AR, MLS, ALD, KY, MM designed, initiated and coordinated the RESPOND study. All authors contributed to study implementation, interpretation of results, critical review and revision all drafts, and approved the final version of this manuscript. All authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work. Ethical Approval: Ethical approval for this study was granted by the Observational Research Ethics Committee at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (Ref: 12214) and the Research Ethics Boards at the Universiti Putra Malaysia (JKEUPM-2017-229) and the University of the Philippines Manila (UPMREB-2017-481-01). All participants gave informed consent.

Contextualizing geneticization and medical pluralism: How variable institutionalization of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) conditions effects of genetic beliefs on utilization.

As genetic models are increasingly incorporated in medicine, health service users seem to accept these models to varying degrees. To appreciate these differences, this paper examines how health service users' genetic beliefs of health are associated with their use of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) via responses from 31 countries in the 2011 ISSP survey. It finds an interesting contrast between East Asian countries and other countries in the world. The negative association between genetic beliefs and TCAM use is strong in the latter, whereas it is weak in the former. More intriguingly, the analysis demonstrates significant cross-national differences within East Asian countries. Chinese and Koreans reveal a negative relationship between genetic beliefs and TCAM use, while Japanese show a positive relationship. The paper provides an explanation to these cross-national differences by drawing on comparative studies of medical systems. When TCAM is institutionalized as valid and distinct medical resources, and when TCAM is practically available to everyday use, health service users who subscribe to genetic beliefs are likely to use TCAM as well. These findings contribute to revealing the pragmatic nature of health-seeking action and the institutional context in which geneticization and medical pluralism are conditioned to form.

Predictors of Unmet Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Need Among Persons of Sub-Saharan African Origin Living in the Greater Toronto Area.

Our study seeks to examine how chronic health status, insurance coverage and socioeconomic factors predict unmet traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) needs among immigrants from sub-Saharan African origin living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The data for the study comes from a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 273 sub-Saharan African immigrants living in the GTA. ~ 21% of respondents surveyed had unmet TCAM needs in the 12-month period prior to the survey. Persons with chronic health conditions, lower socioeconomic status, and those with previous history of TCAM use before immigrating were more likely to have unmet TCAM need. The study suggests that the current TCAM healthcare environment in the GTA limits that ability of sub-Saharan immigrants to meet their healthcare needs, especially persons in most need of such treatments-persons with chronic health conditions and those of lower socioeconomic background.

Vaccine hesitancy and the resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases: the way forward for Malaysia, a Southeast Asian country

ABSTRACT This study engaged health professionals in in-depth, semi-structured interviews to explore their opinions concerning the issues surrounding vaccine hesitancy in Malaysia and strategies to improve vaccination to stamp the rise of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). Opinions on how to address the resurgence of VPDs in the era of increasing vaccine hesitancy were obtained. Eight health professionals, including geriatricians, pediatricians, microbiologists, public health specialists, and family medicine specialists were interviewed. The influence of anti-vaccination propaganda, past-experience of adverse event following immunization (AEFI), perceived religious prohibition, a belief that traditional complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) use is safer, pseudoscience beliefs, and anti-vaccine conspiracy theories were identified as reasons for refusing to vaccinate. The interplay of social, cultural and religious perspectives in influencing perceived religious prohibition, pseudoscience beliefs, and the use of TCAM contributing to vaccine refusal was found. Five broad themes emerged from the health professionals regarding strategies to address vaccine hesitancy, including establishing an electronic vaccination registry, increasing public awareness initiatives, providing feedback to the public on the findings of AEFI, training of front-line healthcare providers, and banning the dissemination of anti-vaccine information via social media. With regards to identifying strategies to address the resurgence of VPDs, mandatory vaccination received mixed opinions; many viewed supplementary immunization activity and the prevention of travel and migration of unvaccinated individuals as being necessary. In conclusion, the present study identified unique local cultural, traditional and religious beliefs that could contribute to vaccine hesitancy in addition to issues surrounding vaccination refusal similarly faced by other countries around the world. This information are important for the formulation of targeted intervention strategies to stamp vaccine hesitancy in Malaysia which are also a useful guide for other countries especially in the Southeast Asia region facing similar vaccine hesitancy issues.

Behavior Problems in Physically Ill Children in Rwanda.

ABSTRACT:Objectives:Childhood behavior problems are underidentified in low- and middle-income countries. This study sought to systematically screen for behavior problems among children receiving medical care in Rwanda and investigate factors associated with behavior problems in this cohort.Methods:The Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) was translated into Kinyarwanda, following best practices. Children aged 5.9 to 16 years admitted to the inpatient ward of a referral hospital or seen in the outpatient department (OPD) were screened using the PSC. All PSC-positive children and every third PSC-negative child were referred for definitive assessment by a child mental health specialist.Results:Among 300 eligible children, 235 were recruited; none refused. PSC scores were positive in 74 of 234 cases (32%, 95% confidence interval 26%–38%); a total of 28 of 74 (40%) PSC-positive children completed mental health assessments. Of these, 16 (57% of those assessed, and 7% of the 235 who were screened) required treatment or further assessment; none of the PSC-negative children did. Screening sensitivity was 100%, and specificity was 71%, with favorable receiver operating characteristics curve and internal consistency. In a multivariate analysis, higher PSC scores were associated with OPD care, central nervous system trauma or infection, and indices of malnutrition and with the use of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM).Conclusion:Behavior problems are common among Rwanda children seen in a referral hospital, particularly in the OPD, and are associated with use of TCAM. The Kinyarwanda PSC showed favorable screening characteristics and resulted in some 7% of children accessing needed mental health care.

Communication about Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) in childhood cancer: A comparison between Dutch and Indonesian health-care providers at academic hospitals

ObjectivesCommunication about Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) use is important in both Western and Eastern countries to prevent interference with conventional cancer treatment. This study compares communication about TCAM of health-care providers (HCP) involved in childhood cancer care in Netherlands and Indonesia. MethodCross-sectional study at Dutch and Indonesian academic hospital using semi-structured questionnaires. ResultsOverall 342 HCP participated: 119 Dutch and 223 Indonesian HCP (response rate 80% and 87%). HCP have negative perspectives about TCAM according to more Dutch (80%) than Indonesian (42%) HCP (p < 0.001). More Dutch (97%) HCP think cancer patients use TCAM than Indonesian (75%) HCP (p = 0.001). Less Dutch (36%) than Indonesian (65%) HCP ask parents, during routine history taking, if they use TCAM in their child (p < 0.001). In both settings, most HCP (98%, 90% respectively) consider it important that parents inform them if their child uses TCAM (p = 0.004). Parents do not disclose their TCAM use to doctors according to 75% of Dutch and 84% of Indonesian HCP (p = ns). Parents are afraid of receiving less care from doctors if they disclose their interest in or use of TCAM according to more Indonesian (74%) than Dutch (42%) HCP (p < 0.001). Parents actually receive less care from doctors if they disclose their interest in or use of TCAM according to more Indonesian (40%) than Dutch (2%) HCP (p < 0.001). More Dutch (46%) than Indonesian (30%) HCP never openly discuss TCAM with parents (p = 0.002). ConclusionDutch HCP have more negative perspectives and communicate less openly about TCAM with parents than Indonesian HCP. In both settings HCP realize that their patients use TCAM and do not disclose this. Doctors need to initiate and facilitate open discussions about TCAM with parents, without retributing families after TCAM disclosure.

Traditional, complementary and alternative medicine use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

Background The WHO estimates that a considerable number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) rely on traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) to meet their primary healthcare needs, yet there remains a dearth of research evidence on the overall picture of TCAM utilisation in the region. Methods We conducted a literature search of original articles examining TCAM use in SSA between 1 January 2006 and 28 February 2017, employing Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Scopus, ProQuest, PubMed, Embase and African Journals Online databases. A critical appraisal of relevant articles reporting a quantitative or mixed-method design was undertaken. Results Despite the heterogeneity and general low quality of the identified literature, the review highlights a relatively high use of TCAM alone or in combination with orthodox medicine, in both general population and in specific health conditions in SSA. TCAM users compared with non-TCAM users are more likely to be of low socioeconomic and educational status, while there were inconsistencies in age, sex, spatial location and religious affiliation between TCAM users and non-TCAM users. Most TCAM users (55.8%–100%) in SSA fail to disclose TCAM use to their healthcare providers, with the main reasons for non-disclosure being fear of receiving improper care, healthcare providers’ negative attitude and a lack of enquiry about TCAM use from healthcare providers. Conclusion TCAM use in SSA is significant, although most studies emerge from a few countries. Factors associated with TCAM use in SSA are similar to those observed in other regions, but further research may be required to further elucidate challenges and opportunities related to TCAM use specific to SSA.

Novel synergistic immune modulating activity of a medicinal mushroom formulation

Communication about Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) use is important in both Western and Eastern countries to prevent interference with conventional cancer treatment. This study compares communication about TCAM of health-care providers (HCP) involved in childhood cancer care in Netherlands and Indonesia.Cross-sectional study at Dutch and Indonesian academic hospital using semi-structured questionnaires.Overall 342 HCP participated: 119 Dutch and 223 Indonesian HCP (response rate 80% and 87%). HCP have negative perspectives about TCAM according to more Dutch (80%) than Indonesian (42%) HCP (p < 0.001). More Dutch (97%) HCP think cancer patients use TCAM than Indonesian (75%) HCP (p = 0.001). Less Dutch (36%) than Indonesian (65%) HCP ask parents, during routine history taking, if they use TCAM in their child (p < 0.001). In both settings, most HCP (98%, 90% respectively) consider it important that parents inform them if their child uses TCAM (p = 0.004). Parents do not disclose their TCAM use to doctors according to 75% of Dutch and 84% of Indonesian HCP (p = ns). Parents are afraid of receiving less care from doctors if they disclose their interest in or use of TCAM according to more Indonesian (74%) than Dutch (42%) HCP (p < 0.001). Parents actually receive less care from doctors if they disclose their interest in or use of TCAM according to more Indonesian (40%) than Dutch (2%) HCP (p < 0.001). More Dutch (46%) than Indonesian (30%) HCP never openly discuss TCAM with parents (p = 0.002).Dutch HCP have more negative perspectives and communicate less openly about TCAM with parents than Indonesian HCP. In both settings HCP realize that their patients use TCAM and do not disclose this. Doctors need to initiate and facilitate open discussions about TCAM with parents, without retributing families after TCAM disclosure.

A Systematic Review of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Amongst Ethnic Minority Populations: A Focus Upon Prevalence, Drivers, Integrative Use, Health Outcomes, Referrals and Use of Information Sources.

Ethnic minority populations have been identified as high users of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM). This paper reports the systematic review of TCAM use amongst ethnic minorities. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Ovid, PubMed and CINAHL. Included studies were original, peer-reviewed, English language articles with the primary focus on TCAM use amongst ethnic minority populations. A total of 17 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. A considerable level of TCAM use was observed amongst ethnic minority populations usually attributed to its perceived safe and natural properties. Ethnic minority populations predominantly used TCAM concurrently with conventional medicine and primary TCAM referral sources were family and friends. A substantial level of TCAM integration with conventional medicine is common practice amongst these populations and the lack of disclosure about TCAM use raises an important area for further research inquiry.

Prevalence of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine use by cancer patients in low income and lower-middle income countries

ABSTRACTThe use of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) for cancer may influence the delivery or effectiveness of conventional cancer treatment. In this systematic review, we aimed to (1) summarise the available prevalence data on traditional medicine use by cancer patients in less developed countries (LDCs), and (2) stratify the prevalence data by world region and country income level. A literature search for cancer, TCAM, and low income (LI) and lower-middle income (LMI) countries was conducted across 5 databases. A total of 2,365 publications were reviewed for eligibility, of which 25 studies met inclusion criteria. The combined sample size was 6,878 cancer patients, with a median of 54.5% reporting the use of TCAM for cancer care. Of the studies providing data on the concomitant use of TCAM and conventional cancer treatment (n = 4,872 cancer patients), a median of 26.7% of participants reported combining the two systems of medicine. From the data available, it is apparent that TCAM use among cancer patients in less developed countries is common; however, additional studies are needed to support the safe and effective management of cancer for patients in LI and LMI countries.

Utilization of traditional and complementary medicine in Indonesia: Results of a national survey in 2014–15

Background and purposeScant information exists about traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) use in Indonesia, which prompted investigating its prevalence and correlates in Indonesia. Materials and methodsParticipants were 31,415 individuals 15 years and older that participated in the cross-sectional Indonesia Family Life Survey in 2014–15. ResultsIn all, 24.4% had used a traditional practitioner and/or traditional medicine in the past four weeks, and 32.9% had used complementary medicine in the past four weeks. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, being of older age, being a Muslim, residing in an urban area or on Java, being unhealthy, having a chronic condition, having depression symptoms, experiencing sleep disturbance, and having high social support were associated with both current traditional practitioner and/or medicine use and complementary medicine use. ConclusionThe study shows a high prevalence of TCAM use in Indonesia and several sociodemographic and health related factors of its use were identified.