Use Of Complementary Health Approaches Research Articles

Assessment of complementary health approaches use in pediatric oncology: Modification and preliminary validation of the "Which Health Approaches and Treatments Are You Using?" (WHAT) questionnaires.

Complementary Health Approaches (CHA) are commonly used by children with cancer; however, a few health care providers (HCPs) inquire about the use of CHA. A standardized questionnaire could facilitate such clinical discussions. We aimed to adapt and determine the face and content validity of the "Which Health Approaches and Treatments are you using?" (WHAT) child and parent-report questionnaires in pediatric oncology. An electronic Delphi survey that included children with cancer (8-18 years), parents, and HCPs and CHA researchers was conducted to reach consensus on the content of the WHAT questionnaires in pediatric oncology. Children and parents from the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), and HCPs and researchers from the International Society of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research and Education Network completed the survey. To determine the face and content validity of the questionnaires, two iterative cycles of individual interviews were conducted with purposive samples of children (8-18 years), parents, and HCPs from SickKids. Consensus was reached on all domains and items of the original WHAT questionnaires after one Delphi cycle (n = 61). For face and content validity testing, the first cycle of interviews (n = 19) revealed that the questionnaires were mostly comprehensive and relevant. However, the paper-based format of the original WHAT was not user-friendly, and generic items were vague and not aimed at facilitating clinical dialogues about CHA use. The WHAT questionnaires were then modified into electronic cancer-specific self- and proxy-report questionnaires including 13 and 15 items, respectively. The second cycle (n = 21) showed no need for further changes. The modified electronic cancer-specific WHAT questionnaires showed adequate face and content validity. The next step is to determine inter-rater reliability, construct validity, and feasibility of administration of the modified WHAT questionnaires in pediatric oncology.

Use of Complementary Health Approaches Overall and for Pain Management by US Adults

This study examines prevalence of use of complementary health approaches overall and for pain management among US adults.

Inter-Rater Reliability, Construct Validity, and Feasibility of the Modified "Which Health Approaches and Treatments Are You Using?" (WHAT) Questionnaires for Assessing the Use of Complementary Health Approaches in Pediatric Oncology.

This study aimed to test the inter-rater reliability, construct validity, and feasibility of the modified "Which Health Approaches and Treatments Are You Using?" (WHAT) questionnaires in pediatric oncology; Methods: Parent-child dyads were invited to complete self- and proxy-report-modified WHAT, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, demographics, a diary of the child's recent use of CHA, and a questionnaire assessing the aspects of feasibility. Parents were asked to complete a satisfaction of their children's use of the CHA survey; Results: Twenty-four dyads completed the study. The mean weighted kappa showed strong inter-rater reliability (k = 0.77, SE = 0.056), and strong agreements between the modified WHAT and the diary (self-report [k = 0.806, SE = 0.046] and proxy-report [k = 0.894, SE = 0.057]). Significant relationships were found only between recent and non-recent CHA users in relation to the easy access to CHA (self-report [p = 0.02], proxy-report [p < 0.001]). The mean scores of the feasibility scale (out of 7.0) for the self- and proxy-report were 5.64 (SD = 0.23) and 5.81 (SD = 0.22), respectively, indicating the feasibility of the modified WHAT; Conclusions: The findings provide initial evidence of the reliability and validity of the modified WHAT and their feasibility. Further research is needed to test the theoretical relationships and further explore the validity and reliability of the modified WHAT.

Correlates of Manual Therapy and Acupuncture Use Among Rural Patients Seeking Conventional Pain Management: A Cross-sectional Study

ObjectiveIn this cross-sectional study, we examined correlates of manual therapy (spinal manipulation, massage therapy) and/or acupuncture use in a population engaging in conventional pain care in West Virginia. MethodsParticipants were patients (aged 18+ years) from 4 Appalachian pain and rheumatology clinics. Of those eligible (N = 343), 88% completed an anonymous survey including questions regarding health history, pain distress (Short Form Global Pain Scale), prescription medications, and current use of complementary health approaches for pain management. We used age-adjusted logistic regression to assess the relation of sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors to use of manual therapies and/or acupuncture for pain (complete-case N = 253). ResultsThe majority of participants were white (92%), female (56%), and middle aged (mean age, 54.8 ± 13.4 years). Nearly all reported current chronic pain (94%), and 56% reported ≥5 comorbidities (mean, 5.6 ± 3.1). Manual therapy and/or acupuncture was used by 26% of participants for pain management (n = 66). Current or prior opioid use was reported by 37% of those using manual therapies. Manual therapy and/or acupuncture use was significantly elevated in those using other complementary health approaches (adjusted odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-5.8). Overall Short Form Global Pain Scale scores were not significantly associated with use of manual therapies and/or acupuncture after adjustment (adjusted odds ratio per 1-point increase, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.03). ConclusionWe found no evidence for an association of pain-related distress and use of manual therapies and/or acupuncture, but identified a strong association with use of dietary supplements and mind-body therapies. Larger studies are needed to further examine these connections in the context of clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness in rural adults given their high pain burden and unique challenges in access to care.

Longitudinal Analysis of Complementary Health Approaches in Adults Aged 25-74 Years from the Midlife in the U.S. Survey Sample.

Objectives: Complementary health approaches include herbal products and mind-body practices. Several studies have identified predictors for complementary health approach use, yet there are two gaps: (1) How does use change? (2) Do factors associated with use influence this change over time? Using the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS), we examined how sociodemographic factors affected use longitudinally, and whether these associations differed between new and continued/discontinued use of herbal products, meditation, chiropractic, and massage therapy. Design: MIDUS is a national probability sample of adults aged 25 or older that has collected more than 20 years of longitudinal data, including the use of complementary health approaches. We employed the Andersen Model as a framework to identify predisposing, enabling, and health need factors associated with complementary health approach use based on previously identified and hypothesized factors. We ran Chi-square analyses to first test bivariate associations between our independent variables and four modalities to further guide logistic regression models. Results: Each of the four approaches examined saw substantial increases in prevalent use. However, only about 25% to 38% of individuals continued use from one wave to the next, whereas only 2%-9% of individuals who did not use a given approach in a wave reported use in the subsequent wave. Age, spiritual importance, and previous wave one use were all significantly associated with new use across all four modalities. Previous wave one use was associated with continued/discontinued use for all modalities. Age and education were significantly associated with discontinued use of chiropractic. Conclusion: We present the first longitudinal analysis of complementary health approaches in a nationally representative sample. These data distinguish between new and continued/discontinued use of complementary health approaches over time and provide insights into the interpretation of complementary health approach prevalence data, as well as important predictors of use.

Hemşirelik Öğrencilerinin Tamamlayıcı Sağlık Yaklaşımları Konusunda Bilgi, Tutum ve Uygulamaları

Objective: The descriptive study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of nursing students when it comes to complementary health approaches (CHA). Material and Methods: The study was conducted with 264 nursing students who were studying at Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Health School in Turkey. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the director of the college, students and ethics committee. Descriptive statistical methods were used. Percentage and frequency values were given as descriptive statistics. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between numerical variables not showing normal distribution. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The most common CHA were praying, exercising and imagery therapy. One third of the nursing students had received information about CHA. Students stated internet, TV, newspapers, magazines, books and family, respectively as information sources. Additionally, nearly half of the nursing students stated that they have used CHA. The most frequently used CHA by students was praying. About half of the students used CHA in stress situations. Most of the students stated that massage was useful. Three fourth of the students reported that CHA positively affected one's psychology and recovery. There was a statistically significant difference between students' class and use of CHA (p<0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between the status of nursing students benefiting from CHA and recommending CHA (r=0.169; p=0.038), and a positive correlation was found between the knowledge levels of CHA and recommending CHA (r=0.193; p=0.029) and benefitting from CHA (r=0.985; p=0.001). Conclusion: Based on the results of the research, it was determined that nursing students had a generally positive attitude about CHA but their knowledge level and practices related to CHA were insufficient; however, a positive relationship was found between students' levels of knowledge about CHA and their recommending and benefiting status of CHA.

Use of Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Low-Back Pain: A Pain Research Registry-Based Study.

Objectives: To measure the use of complementary health approaches (CHAs) recommended in recent clinical practice guidelines relating to low-back pain, multivariate factors associated with their use, and clinical outcomes of CHA users and nonusers. Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Settings/Location: The Pain Registry for Epidemiological, Clinical, and Interventional Studies and Innovation. Subjects: A total of 568 patients with chronic low-back pain. Interventions: Massage therapy, spinal manipulation, yoga, and acupuncture. Outcome measures: The numerical rating scale for low-back pain intensity, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for back-related disability, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System with 29 items for quality-of-life deficits relating to sleep disturbance, pain interference with activities, anxiety, depression, and low energy/fatigue. Results: The distribution of the number of different CHAs used by patients for low-back pain was as follows: 0, 179 (31.5%); 1, 139 (24.5%); 2, 160 (28.2%); 3, 70 (12.3%); and 4, 20 (3.5%). The numbers of patients using the specific CHAs were as follows: massage therapy, 271 (47.7%); spinal manipulation, 238 (41.9%); yoga, 144 (25.4%); and acupuncture, 96 (16.9%). Opioids had been used for low-back pain by 415 (73.1%) patients. Higher levels of education and higher pain self-efficacy scores were associated with greater use of any CHA, whereas increasing age and being Black were associated with lesser use of any CHA. Any CHA use was associated with lesser low-back pain intensity and lesser back-related disability. Patients who used massage therapy reported better clinical outcomes across all three dimensions. Patient pain self-efficacy also enhanced the effect of CHA use. Conclusions: The use of CHAs relative to opioids for low-back pain was inconsistent with recommendations from recent clinical practice guidelines despite clinical benefits with CHA use in this study. More research is needed on ways to improve the uptake of CHAs recommended for low-back pain, particularly among older and Black patients.

U.S. Physician Recommendations to Their Patients About the Use of Complementary Health Approaches.

Objective: There are no nationally representative studies using a probability sample that have been published examining whether physicians recommend complementary health approaches (CHAs) to their patients, as previous research has focused only on selected medical specialties or a particular U.S. region. This article fills a void in the current literature for robust data on recommendations for CHAs by office-based physicians in the United States. Design: Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses of physician-level data were from the 2012 Physician Induction Interview of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS PII), a nationally representative survey of office-based physicians. Weighted response rate among eligible physicians sampled for the 2012 NAMCS PII was 59.7%. Setting/Location: United States. Outcome measures: Recommendations by physicians to their patients for any CHA, and individual CHAs: massage therapy, herbs/nonvitamin supplements, chiropractic/osteopathic manipulation, yoga, acupuncture, and mind-body therapies. Differences in recommendations by physician demographic characteristics were identified. Results: Massage therapy was the most commonly recommended CHA (30.4%), followed by chiropractic/osteopathic manipulation (27.1%), herbs/nonvitamin supplements (26.5%), yoga (25.6%), and acupuncture (22.4%). The most commonly recommended CHAs by general/family practice physicians were chiropractic/osteopathic manipulation (54.0%) and massage therapy (52.6%). Of all U.S. physicians, 53.1% recommended at least one CHA to patients during the previous 12 months. Multivariable analyses found physician's sex, race, specialty, and U.S. region to be significant predictors of CHA recommendations. Female physicians were more likely than male physicians to recommend massage therapy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40-2.20), herbs/nonvitamin supplements (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.46-2.35), yoga (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.70-2.75), acupuncture (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.27-2.13), and mind-body therapies (aOR = 2.63, 95% CI = 2.02-3.41) to patients. Psychiatrists (aOR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.07-0.23), OB/GYNs (aOR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.24-0.60), and pediatricians (aOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.18-0.38) were all less likely to recommend chiropractic/osteopathic manipulation than general and family practitioners. Conclusions: Overall, more than half of office-based physicians recommended at least one CHA to their patients. Female physicians recommended every individual CHA at a higher rate than male physicians except for chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation. These findings may enable consumers, physicians, and medical schools to better understand potential differences in use of CHAs with patients.

Parental satisfaction and perception of Progress in influencing the Practice of complementary health approaches in children with autism: a cross sectional survey from Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

BackgroundParents’ use of complementary health approaches (CHA) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are common despite the uncertain evidence of its benefit. Parents often adopt CHA due to dissatisfaction with conventional treatment. This study aimed to examine parents’ satisfaction with ASD treatment and their perception of progress in their child’s development. Parents’ use of CHA among children with ASD and the factors related were also evaluated.MethodsSelf-administered questionnaires were completed by 48 parents of children with ASD at a single tertiary referral hospital in Malaysia. Correlation analysis was used to explore associations between parental satisfaction scores, perception of progress scores and use of CHA.ResultsUse of CHA was reported by parents for 35.4% of children with ASD in the sample. Parents who were less satisfied with conventional treatment and parents who perceived poorer progress in their child’s development were more likely to use CHA. Strong positive relationship was found between parent satisfaction with ASD treatment scores and parent perception of progress scores, which indicates that parents who were satisfied with treatment were more likely to perceive greater progress in their child’s development. Improvement in child’s progress was most appreciated by parents in their child’s behavior (85.5%), social skills (83.3%) and motor skills (77.1%).ConclusionThe use of CHA was common among children with ASD. Parents were more likely to practice CHA when they were less satisfied with conventional treatment and perceived poorer progress. A larger multicenter study is required to further explore the practice of CHA among children with ASD throughout Malaysia.

Integrative Group Medical Visits: A National Scoping Survey of Safety-Net Clinics.

Purpose: Integrative group medical visits (IGMVs) aim to increase access to complementary and integrative health care, which is particularly relevant for low-income people. We sought to describe IGMV programs in US safety-net clinics through a survey of providers.Methods: An online and paper survey was conducted to collect data on the use of complementary health approaches and characteristics of IGMV programs. We recruited a purposive sample of safety-net clinicians via national meetings and listservs.Results: Fifty-seven clinicians reported on group medical visits. Forty percent worked in federally qualified health centers, 57% in safety-net or teaching hospitals, 23% in other settings such as free clinics. Thirty-seven respondents in 11 states provided care in IGMVs, most commonly for chronic pain and diabetes. Nutrition (70%), mindfulness/meditation/breathing (59%), and tai chi/yoga/other movement practices (51%) were the most common treatment approaches in IGMVs.Conclusion: Safety-net institutions in 11 states offered IGMVs to treat a range of chronic conditions. IGMVs are an innovative model to improve access to non-pharmacologic approaches to chronic illness care and health promotion. They may advance health equity by serving patients negatively impacted by health and health care disparities.

Predictors and Characteristics Associated with use of Complementary Health Approaches among Cancer Patients

Complementary health approach use is growing over the past 15 years among cancer patients, either in Western countries or in the Far East or in developing countries. So it has undoubtedly gained medical, economic and research importance. Aim: to assess use, predictors and characteristics associated with use of complementary health approaches among patients with cancer. Research design: a descriptive exploratory research design will be utilized. Setting: the study was conducted in the Oncology and Nuclear medicine department affiliated to one of the University Hospital, Cairo-Egypt. Subjects: a convenient sample of 150 adult male and female cancer patients who fulfill the inclusion and exclusion criteria enrolled in the study. Tool: a 21-items questionnaire covering patient demographics features (6items), treatment-related variables (4items), characteristics and predictors of complementary health approach (11items) was used. Results: (67.3%) of the study sample used complementary health approaches in association with the conventional treatment of cancer, the most frequent used types of complementary health approach were herbal products, massage, and meditation. Characteristics of complementary health approach users were young age, male patients, those with decreased activity of daily living and patients with genitourinary and blood cancer; predictors of complementary health approach use were young age (18-30) (OR4.9 and p=0.010), decreased activity of daily living (OR .346 and p=0.033).Conclusion: patients living with cancer may be actively using a variety of complementary health approaches while also undergoing conventional cancer treatments. Keywords : predictors, characteristics, use, complementary health approaches, cancer patients. DOI : 10.7176/JHMN/58-12

A dual continuum model of the reasons for use of complementary health approaches among overweight and obese adults: findings from the 2012 NHIS

BackgroundObese and overweight individuals have greater illness and disease burden, but previous findings from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) suggest that they are no more likely to use complementary health approaches (CHA) than those of normal weight. The current study investigates the relationship between weight status and CHA use, and among CHA users, examines differences in reasons for use by weight status. We propose and test a Dual Continuum Model of Motivations for Use of CHA to examine differences in reasons for use by weight status.MethodParticipants were drawn from the 2012 NHIS, a nationally representative sample of civilian, non-institutionalized US adults (N = 34,525). Weight status was operationalized by body mass index. CHA use was measured in the past year and was categorized into alternative providers, products, and practices. Among CHA users (N = 9307) factors associated with use were categorized as health enhancing or health reactive.ResultsLogistic regression showed overweight and obese individuals were less likely to use alternative providers, products, and practices than normal weight. Multinomial logit regression showed some support that overweight and obese adults were less likely than normal weight persons to use CHA for health-enhancing reasons, and more likely to use for health reactive reasons.ConclusionsDespite greater health burden, overweight and obese adults are underutilizing CHA, including modalities that can be helpful for health management. The Dual Continuum Model of CHA Motivations shows promise for explicating the diversity of reasons for CHA use among adults at risk for health problems.

Pediatric Nurses' Usage and Experience Toward Complementary Health Approaches.

The usage of Complementary Health Approaches (CHA) and its popularity have been increasing among both children and pediatric nurses. The aims of this study were to (1) determine the knowledge and usage levels of pediatric nurses about CHA, (2) describe the experiences of nurses about CHA, and (3) evaluate the attitudes of nurses toward CHA. This was multicenter study. A total of 1,450 pediatric nurses who are working at the pediatric departments of different hospitals in Turkey participated in the study between June 2013 and February 2014. Around 1,303 female and 147 male pediatric nurses, in total 1,450, were included in the study. The semi-structured questionnaire had three sections. The first section composed of 14 questions about sociodemographic characteristics. The second section contained seven questions about the nurses' professional practices with respect to CHA. The third section contained eight questions about the nurses' attitudes to CHA. The study revealed that 90.6% of the nurses used CHA, and primarily made use of praying (82.3%), massage (76.6%), and vitamins (60.2%), respectively. Most of the nurses used CHA for relaxation. Approximately half of the nurses did not asked the families of their CHA usage. More than half of the nurses (58.8%) stated that nurses were not responsible for informing patients about CHA. It was found that the nurses had negative experiences with CHA such as allergies, pain, and being upset. The most frequently indicated positive experience was "feeling better both physically and psychologically." It is extremely important that nurses have knowledge about CHA. Nurses should question parents' use of CHA and inform parents about CHA' benefits and potential risks. Considering the personal/professional experiences, it is necessary to evaluate the positive/negative effects of CHA. Research may contribute to increased awareness of the potentially important role of nurses in the delivery of CHA.

Use and Nondisclosure of Complementary Health Approaches Among US Children with Developmental Disabilities.

Many US children use complementary health approaches (CHAs), including some modalities that may be ineffective, unsafe, and/or costly. Yet, little is known about the prevalence and correlates of CHA use among children with developmental disabilities (DDs), as well as parent nondisclosure of CHAs used for children with DDs to health care providers. We, therefore, aimed to profile the use and nondisclosure of CHAs among US children with DDs. We analyzed data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, which included the most recent Child Complementary and Alternative Medicine Supplement. The study sample was comprised of 2141 children with DDs aged 4 to 17 years. Nearly one-quarter (23%) of US children with DDs used CHAs. Among those with a personal health provider, 42% of parents did not disclose some or all CHAs used to the child's provider. The adjusted odds ratios of using CHAs were greater among those with female sex, higher household income, residences not in the South, difficulty accessing care, or comorbid conditions. CHA was most commonly used because "it is natural." Nondisclosure was associated with female sex, older age, having no functional limitations, less conventional services use, and use of fewer CHAs. The most common reason for nondisclosure was that the child's provider did not ask. Complementary health approach use is prevalent among US children with DDs, and nondisclosure is likely among those who use CHAs. Future intervention targeting education and communication about CHAs for parents of children with DDs and their health care providers may promote disclosure.

Use and Disclosure of Complementary Health Approaches in US Adults With Cardiovascular Disease

Evidence indicates that use of Complementary Health Approaches (CHAs) is common in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and has benefits and risks. Yet, disclosure of CHA use to physicians is not uniformly high. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of CHA use and disclosure in patients with CVD in a nationally representative US sample. Use of specific CHA modalities and the predictors and reasons for nondisclosure were examined. In the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative sample of adults aged 18+ was used, and 12,364 patients who reported being diagnosed with CVD were analyzed using weighted bivariate and logistic regression. Analyses revealed that 34.75% of patients with CVD had used CHA in the previous year. Women, those with higher education and income, who had functional limitations, greater mental distress, and healthier lifestyles were significantly more likely to use CHA. Nonvitamin, nonmineral supplements was the most prevalent CHA used (19.22%). Rates of nondisclosure were highest among younger and better educated CHA users. In patients with CVD who did not disclose CHA use to their physician (33.67%), 45.51% said the reason was because physician did not ask; 8.75% said the reason was because they were not using CHA at the time. In conclusion, over 1/3 of patients with CVD used CHA in the previous year, and nonvitamin, nonmineral supplements were the most commonly used modality. The findings underscore the importance of provider-initiated communication about CHA use in patients with CVD to minimize the potentially harmful consequences of nondisclosure.

Use of Complementary Health Approaches for Acute Complaints Presenting to the Emergency Department.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of complementary health approaches (CHAs) specifically for acute complaints in patients assessed in a pediatric emergency department (ED) and factors associated with use. A cross-sectional survey was offered to patients between the age of 28 days and 18 years assessed at a tertiary pediatric ED between December 2014 and July 2015. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify variables associated with CHA use. Of 475 potential participants, 412 (86.7%) participated, of which 369 (89.5%) completed the survey. Overall, 28.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.3-33.5) reported using any CHA for their child to treat the presenting complaint in the prior 72 hours to the ED visit. Gastrointestinal complaints had the highest use of CHA (46.3% of presentations endorsed use). The most common complementary health products used were vitamins and minerals (40.9%; 95% CI, 31.2-51.4); the most common complementary health practice used was massage (37.2%; 95% CI, 24.4-52.1). Multivariate analysis showed lower odds of using CHA for rash/skin complaint (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.09-0.59; P < 0.01) or musculoskeletal/extremity complaints (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07-0.75; P = 0.01) compared with use for fever. No statistically significant association was found between CHAs use and child's sex, child's age, private insurance, or caregiver education. Caregivers commonly use CHA for acute pediatric complaints requiring an ED visit, with greatest use for gastrointestinal complaints. Clinicians should consider the use and safety of CHA when evaluating children presenting to the ED with acute conditions.

Hypertensive Individuals’ Use of Complementary Health Approaches and its Effect on Adherence with Antihypertensive Medication Treatment

Objective: This study was conducted with the aim of determining the uses of complementary health approaches (CHA) in patients with hypertension and its effect on adherence with antihypertensive medication. Method: This descriptive study was conducted at Karaağaç Family Health Center located in the city center of Erzincan. Between June 2013 and December 2013, the individuals who consulted to the center for some reason and received antihypertensive treatment, were included. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire containing open- and closed-ended questions and the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form (MASES-SF). The blood pressure, height and weight measurements were performed. Results: It was determined that 42.7% of the hypertensive patients were using natural produces for nutrition as part of their CHA, the use of CHA was higher in those under the age of 65 and in women (p<0.05) and using CHA had no significant effect on blood pressure control or the mean MASES-SF score (p>0.05). Medication adherence of the patients was on a good level. The mean MASES-SF scores of the patients whose blood pressure was under control were found higher (p<0.001) than those were not under control. Conclusion: It was concluded that approximately one of the two hypertensive patients was using nutrient-based natural products as an adjunctive health care supplement for antihypertensive treatment, however this did not have any impacts on blood pressure control and changing medication adherence. Blood pressures of t he patients with a high level of adherence to their antihypertensive therapies have been under control. The healthcare professionals who work at primary care institutions should be aware of that they are advised to use some complementary practices besides medical methods for the purpose of controlling the blood pressure of hypertensive patients. Amaç : Bu araştırma hipertansiyon hastalarının tamamlayıcı sağlık yaklaşımı (TSY) kullanımları ve bunun antihipertansif ilaç tedavisi uyumuna etkisini belirlemek amacı ile yapıldı. Yöntem : Tanımlayıcı özellikteki bu araştırma Erzincan il merkezinde bulunan Karaağaç Aile Sağlığı Merkezinde yürütüldü. Haziran-Aralık 2013 tarihleri arasında merkeze herhangi bir nedenle başvuran ve antihipertansif tedavi alan bireyler araştırmaya alındı. Veriler açık ve kapalı uçlu soru formu ve İlaç Tedavisine Bağlılık/Uyum Öz-Etkililik Ölçeği Kısa Formu (İBÖS-KF) kullanılarak yüz yüze görüşme yöntemi ile toplandı. Kan basıncı, boy ve kilo ölçümü yapıldı. Bulgular: Hipertansiflerin % 42,7’sinin TSY olarak besin temelli doğal ürünler kullandığı, TSY kullanımının 65 yaş altındakilerde ve kadınlarda daha fazla olduğu (p < 0,05), TSY kullanımının kan basıncı kontrolü ve İBÖS-KF ölçek puan ortalaması üzerinde önemli bir etkisinin olmadığı belirlendi (p > 0,05). Hastaların ilaç uyumu iyi düzeydeydi. Kan basıncı kontrol altında olanların İBÖS-KF ortalamaları olmayanlardan daha yüksek bulundu (p < 0,001). Sonuç: Yaklaşık olarak her iki hipertansif hastadan birisinin antihipertansif tedaviye ek tamamlayıcı sağlık yaklaşımı olarak besin temelli doğal ürünler kullandığı ancak bu durumun kan basıncı kontrolüne ve ilaç uyumlarına bir etkisinin olmadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Antihipertansif tedavi uyumları yüksek olan hastaların kan basınçları kontrol altındadır. Birinci basamak sağlık kurumlarında çalışan sağlık profesyonellerinin hipertansif hastalarının kan basıncı kontrolü amacıyla tıbbi yöntemler dışında bazı tamamlayıcı uygulamaları da sorgulamaları önerilebilir.

Parents' Use of Complementary Health Approaches for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Knowledge of why parents use complementary health approaches (CHA) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is limited. We conducted a mixed methods study to better understand factors influencing parents' decision to use CHA for ASD. Parent-reported data about CHA use were collected on a probability sample of 352 young children with ASD in Denver, Colorado; Los Angeles, California; or Portland, Oregon. Follow-back interviews were conducted with 31 parents. CHA use was negatively associated with older child age and positively associated with parents' belief ASD has major consequences, living in Portland or Denver, and medication use. Nine themes help explain these results. Study findings may have utility for healthcare providers working with children with ASD and their families regarding CHA.

Use and perceived effectiveness of complementary health approaches in children.

Up to one-half of children may use complementary health approaches (CHA). However, current prevalence in North America, variables associated with CHA use and caregiver perceptions of effectiveness are unclear. We aimed to determine the self-reported use of CHA during the previous 12 months in paediatric patients, demographic variables associated with CHA use and perceptions around effectiveness of CHA. A cross-sectional survey study of patients aged between 28 days and 18 years who presented to a large paediatric emergency department was conducted between December 2014 and July 2015. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine variables associated with CHA use. Of 475 potential participants, 412 (86.7%) responded to the questionnaire, of whom 369 (89.5%) had completed the entire survey. Of these, 61.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 56.7% to 66.6%) reported using CHA for their child. The most used CHA products were vitamins and minerals (59.2%, 95% CI 52.4% to 65.7%). Among CHA practices, massage (50.0%, 95% CI 15.5% to 30.1%) was most common. Most CHA users perceived effectiveness of the therapy used. Parental education remained statistically significant (P=0.03) in multivariate logistic regression; the odds of CHA use among caregivers with university-level education were 1.65 times higher when compared with those without (95% CI 1.04% to 2.61%). CHA use is higher than previously reported in children. Given the high self-reported perceived effectiveness, paediatricians and family physicians should review CHA use with their patients in an open, non-judgmental manner, exploring both perceptions of safety and efficacy.

Complementary Health Approaches: Overcoming Barriers to Open Communication During Cancer Therapy .

Complementary health approaches (CHAs) have been widely used by patients with cancer for many reasons. However, some patients choose not to disclose their use of CHAs to their nurses, fearing that this use will be viewed as unacceptable. Nurses may be uncomfortable talking about CHAs because of a lack of evidence-based research on the subject. . This article promotes ways in which nurses can overcome barriers to open communication about CHAs with patients during cancer therapy. . The literature related to CHAs and communication was reviewed. . To encourage open communication between nurses and patients regarding the use of CHAs, nurses need to be more knowledgeable about CHAs through training or by conducting research related to CHAs.