Use Of Complementary Medical Therapies Research Articles

Use of complementary medical therapies by Israeli patients undergoing in vitro fertilization

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of complementary medical therapy (CMT) use among Israeli couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, men and women undergoing treatment at four IVF units in Israel were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire between May 2010 and December 2011. Patients were considered users of CMT if they reported that either partner used at least one type of CMT for treating infertility. Stepwise backward logistic regression was used to assess the independent effects of variables on CMT utilization. ResultsOf 511 patients approached, 400 (78.1%) completed the survey and 159 (39.8%) indicated that CMT for infertility was used by one or both partners. Higher CMT use was significantly associated with the treating hospital, post high-school education, more than three previous IVF trials, being employed, and using psychosocial support (all P<0.05). Most users (75/129; 58.1%) did not notify the IVF clinic medical staff about concurrent use of CMT. ConclusionUse of CMTs was widely reported by Israeli patients undergoing IVF, particularly those with higher education, and those undergoing repeated IVF trials and receiving psychosocial support. IVF staff ought to be aware of the widespread utilization of CMTs because the impact of these therapies on IVF outcomes is inconclusive.

The use of complementary medical therapies (CMT) in infertility patients

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the utilization of complementary therapies in women undergoing infertility treatment.DESIGN: Prospective surveyMATERIALS AND METHODS: Data compiled from anonymous questionnaires, at a large academic infertility center, included patient demographics, duration/etiology of infertility, & CMT use during infertility treatment.Tabled 1CAM ModalitiesCMTIVF (n=77)IUI (n=18)TI (n=12)Acupuncture92.2%(71)77.8%(14)58.3%(7)Herbs28.6%(22)50%(9)58.3%(7)Yoga20.8%(16)50%(9)58.3%(7)Massage18.2%(14)33.3%(6)25%(3)Special diets16.9%(13)22.2%(4)25%(3)Vitamins33.8%(26)22.2%(4)25%(3)Stress reduction13%(11)11.1%(2)33.3%(4)Meditation16.9%(13)16.7%(3)41.7%(5)Psychotherapy7.8%(6)16.7%(3)8.3%(1)CMT Usage in patients undergoing Infertility treatment Open table in a new tab CONCLUSIONS: This study represents one of the first documentations of the prevalence of CMT usage in infertility patients. Despite conflicting reports on the efficacy of CMT, 47% of patients completing the survey reported using CMT while undergoing ART. Further studies examining the efficacy of CMT seem warranted. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the utilization of complementary therapies in women undergoing infertility treatment. DESIGN: Prospective survey MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data compiled from anonymous questionnaires, at a large academic infertility center, included patient demographics, duration/etiology of infertility, & CMT use during infertility treatment. CMT Usage in patients undergoing Infertility treatment CONCLUSIONS: This study represents one of the first documentations of the prevalence of CMT usage in infertility patients. Despite conflicting reports on the efficacy of CMT, 47% of patients completing the survey reported using CMT while undergoing ART. Further studies examining the efficacy of CMT seem warranted.

Religiosity is Associated With the Use of Complementary Medical Therapies by Pediatric Oncology Patients

To determine the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in pediatric oncology patients, the types of CAM used, and the factors associated with the use of CAM. A questionnaire regarding CAM use was administered to patients/families seen in the pediatric oncology clinic at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center over a 12-month period. Based on 195 completed questionnaires, 91 (47%) patients reported use of CAM since diagnosis. Among CAM users, the most commonly used CAM therapies were faith healing, megavitamins/minerals, massage, other dietary supplements, relaxation techniques, and herbal medicines/teas. Forty-one percent of CAM users had not discussed CAM use with their physician(s). In bivariate analysis, CAM use was not associated with age at the time of survey, time since diagnosis, sex, race, parental education, or family income. A trend was noted between CAM use and older age at diagnosis. Families who reported themselves to be "very" religious were more likely to use CAM than those that are "somewhat" or "not at all" religious. Use of CAM is common among pediatric oncology patients and often is not discussed with the treating physician(s). Patients from very religious families are more likely to use CAM.

The use of complementary medical therapies in the management of myofascial pain disorders.

Complementary medical therapies are commonly used for the treatment and management of myofascial pain. No universally accepted therapy for this condition exists; consequently, patients often seek alternative and complementary therapies. Many complementary treatments are available.This article focuses on acupuncture, biofeedback, ultrasound, lasers, and massage. Although anecdotally claimed as effective, most of these modalities have not been rigorously investigated because of poor research quality. Appropriate controls, sample sizes, and blinding measures are often lacking. Despite these issues, the trend toward efficacy exists and further examination is warranted.