Use Of Complementary Therapies Research Articles

Varieties of silence – a mixed-methods study exploring reasons and justifications for nondisclosure of the use of complementary therapies to physicians in Finland

BackgroundIn health care, two in three users of complementary therapies (CT) stay silent about their CT use. Disclosure of CT use to physicians is important for patient safety, participation, and shared decision-making. Common reasons for CT nondisclosure include patients´ expectations of physicians’ unaccepting response to disclosure, physicians not asking, and patients believing it is unnecessary. This study aimed to increase understanding of patient silence. We investigated how the reasons for nondisclosure of CT use reported by CT users were associated with the frequency of CT disclosure and how these associations and reported justifications to keep silent reflect patient silence among the study participants.MethodsThis mixed-methods study used existing data from the non-probability-based online survey (n = 6802) targeted to CT users among the general population in Finland. A qualitative structured tabular thematic analysis was conducted for the selected 342 brief texts describing the reasons and justification for not telling physicians about CT use. The associations between the frequency of CT disclosure and the reasons for CT nondisclosure were analysed by crosstabulations and binary logistic regression analysis with SPSS (v28).ResultsThree types of patient silence were revealed. Avoidant silence illustrates the respondents coping with the fear of unwanted response from a physician and avoiding the expected negative consequences of CT disclosure. Precautionary silence exemplifies respondents striving to prevent the reoccurrence of previously experienced frustration of wishes to be seen and heard as CT users. Conditional silence portrays the self-confidence of respondents who assessed their need to disclose CT use to physicians on a case-by-case basis.ConclusionsSilence, for some patients, may serve as a way of warding off past and possible future fears and frustrations related to CT disclosure. It is important to recognise different types of patient silence related to CT disclosure to enhance patient participation and shared decision-making in health care. Efforts are needed to provide health policy decision-makers with information about CT users’ lived experiences with CT communication in health care.

The Effect of Quercetin on the Prevention and Treatment of Gynecologic Cancer

Objective: This review summarizes the molecular properties, anticancer effects, and bioavailability of quercetin (Que). We discussed its role in preventing and treating gynecologic cancers, assisting in the treatment of drug-resistant cases, and synergizing with other treatments. This review includes an analysis of Que’s impact on breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer. Mechanism: Gynecologic cancers are a significant cause of cancer-related deaths, leading to low survival rates and a high burden on patients and healthcare systems. They are regarded as a major health problem in women. The use of complementary therapies, such as Que, can contribute to improving patient outcomes and the quality of life. The utilization of medicinal plants as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is on the rise worldwide, offering new approaches to cancer treatment. This approach may provide potential treatments for various cancers, including female cancers such as breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer, either alone or in combination with other medications. Findings in Brief: Among various natural compounds, Que is commonly used as an anti-cancer supplement due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Que is effective in preventing and treating female cancers in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as demonstrated by numerous in vitro and in vivo studies and experiments. However, more clinical studies are required to establish this flavonoid as a therapeutic agent or as part of a drug combination in humans. Conclusions: Que helps prevent and treat gynecological cancers, reduce drug resistance, and increase the effectiveness of chemical drugs and radiotherapy. It achieves this through its anti-inflammatory, pro-oxidative, anti-proliferative, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest mechanisms. However, more human studies are needed to accurately determine of the mechanisms of action and the extent of its effectiveness.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CATs) in Nursing Education in Spanish Universities.

The use of complementary therapies in the general population is increasing, so it is necessary to understand the training that health professionals receive in this type of therapy in their training plans, as they are often the primary source of information for patients. Our aim was to investigate Spanish universities that offer subjects on complementary therapies in their nursing degree programs. This study is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. For this purpose, we used a document published on the website of the Ministry of Universities as the working document. Additionally, a literature search was conducted up to September 2023 in the PubMed database, along with reverse searches. Out of a total of 62 universities, only 16 (29%) offer a subject related to this type of therapy, 27.5% (11) are public universities and 22.7% (5) are private universities, most of them being optional subjects. The training content on complementary care in nursing degree programs in Spanish universities is scarce, highlighting the potential benefit of expanding and promoting it, in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization.

Is there an Association between Complementary and Alternative Medicine use and Trust in Physicians in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases?

Generally, patients with chronic rheumatic diseases use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in addition to their conventional treatments to manage their health. Discussing these treatments with their physician is still rare, which might be directly related to patients' trust toward them. The primary objective of this study was to assess the association between patients' trust in their physician and the use of complementary and alternative medicine among patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. As secondary objectives, to estimate the prevalence of CAM use, and to identify the associated factors with their use and with trust in physicians. This is a cross-sectional study, which included patients with established chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, at the University Hospital Center in Tangier. The questionnaire included demographic and clinical information, use of conventional therapy, complementary and alternative therapy, as well as interpersonal trust in patient-physician relationships using the Trust in Physician Scale (TPS). A regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with CAM use and with trust in physicians. The study included 189 patients. 57.14% of patients reported using complementary medicine at least once, most patients were women (77.78%), mean age was 46.67 ± 13.25 years with an average course of the disease of 11.11 ± 9.23 years. The most frequently used CAM treatments were cupping therapy, massage and the ingestion of a mixture of plants. Mean ± SD Trust in Physician Scale was 47.64 ± 7.2. There was no significant difference between CAM users vs. non-users (48.08 ± 6.9 vs 47.04 ± 7.4; p = 0.35). In uni and multivariate analysis, a low level of education was significantly associated with the use of CAM. However, no statistically significant difference was found with trust in physicians (OR = 1.020, 95% CI (0.978-1.063), p = 0.354). CAM therapy is common in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. No statistically significant association was found with trust in physicians, it was rather observed with level of education.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are frequently discussed by people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The aim of this study is to explore CAM use in Australians with IBD. This cross-sectional study was conducted via an anonymous online survey, predominantly distributed through IBD-specific social media accounts. Data collection occurred over a three-month period in 2021. Descriptive statistics, Chi-Square tests, and binary logistic regression were used to analyse quantitative data. A simple thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative free-text responses. Of the 123 responses, acupuncture (12.2%) and chiropractors (8.9%) were common CAM practitioners accessed. CAM practitioners were perceived to be 'very helpful' compared to mainstream health practitioners. The most common CAM products reported were vitamins (51.2%), probiotics (43.9%), and herbal medicine (30.9%). Common reasons for use were improved perceived improvements to wellbeing or for long-term management of IBD. Females were more likely to access CAM practitioners (OR 12.6, 95% CI 1.62-98.1, p = 0.02). Doctors were the participants' primary source of information (64.2%), although many expressed dissatisfaction with conventional therapy and the desire for a more holistic approach to care. The use of CAMs in this sample was high. Limited research into the efficacy and safety of these therapies may prevent health professionals from discussing their use with patients. Improved communication with health professionals will allow patients to be active partners in their healthcare plans and can heighten patient satisfaction with conventional therapy.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Psoriasis.

Despite recent advancements in psoriasis treatment, challenges in management persist. Recently, there has been a rising interest amongst patients in complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), driven by the desire for more natural, holistic approaches and dissatisfaction with conventional treatments. Up to 41% of patients with psoriasis reported using alternative therapies and 39.5% use complementary therapies (Murphy EC, Nussbaum D, Prussick R, Friedman AJ (2019) Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 81:280-283). Despite their rapidly growing prevalence, literature on CAM therapies for psoriasis is lacking, making their recommendation difficult. Since the last systematic review on this topic published in 2018, evidence for new alternative therapies has emerged, promoting a further investigation of their efficacy (Gamret AC, Price A, Fertig RM, Lev-Tov H, Nichols AJ (2018) Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies for Psoriasis: A Systematic Review. JAMA Dermatol 154:1330-1337). This systematic review aims to compile recent literature on the most studied alternative therapies for psoriasis and further discuss their effectiveness in order to counsel clinicians in guiding patients on the use of these non-standard approaches. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases for randomized controlled trials (RCT) on complementary and alternative therapies in psoriasis from March 2018 through April 2024, resulting in 12 studies being included in this review. The preliminary results for many treatments such as curcumin, dietary modification and additions, indigo naturalis, meditation, acupuncture, and balneotherapy showed positive clinical effects. However, additional well-designed randomized trials are needed to confirm the potential beneficial effects and to establish safety of use.

The effect of Ba Duan Jin exercise intervention on cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

There is a growing interest in the use of complementary therapies for the prevention of disease and the maintenance of health. Furthermore, complementary therapies that incorporate exercise are becoming increasingly prevalent among the older adult, and thus may represent a crucial strategy for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise therapy, as a means to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, has been gradually applied in clinical practice. It has the advantages of reducing mortality, improving clinical symptoms, restoring physical function and improving quality of life. In recent years, traditional Chinese sports such as Ba Duan Jin and Qigong have developed rapidly. Therefore, a comprehensive systematic review is required to examine interventions involving Ba Duan Jin exercise in healthy adults or those at increased risk of CVD in order to determine the effectiveness of Ba Duan Jin exercise for the primary prevention of CVD. To investigate the effect of Ba Duan Jin exercise intervention for the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Eight databases were systematically searched from inception to July, 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluated the impact of Ba Duan Jin exercise intervention on cardiovascular diseases. The search terms were "Cardiovascular diseases" "Ba Duan Jin" and "Randomized controlled." The Cochrane risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the study quality, and the meta-analysis was performed using Rev. Man 5.4 software. Seventeen completed trials were conducted with 1,755 participants who were randomly assigned and met the inclusion criteria. All 17 studies were conducted in China. The meta-analysis indicates that Ba Duan Jin exercise therapy can provide long-term benefits (20-30 years) by reducing all-cause mortality (RR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.44-0.68, p < 0.01) and stroke mortality (RR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.36-0.66, p < 0.01) in hypertensive patients. Subgroup analyses reveal that Ba Duan Jin exercise therapy decreases SBP (MD = -4.05, 95% CI = -6.84 to -1.26, p < 0.01) and DBP (MD = -3.21, 95% CI = -5.22 to -1.20, p < 0.01) levels in patients with essential hypertension, significantly reduces serum TC (MD = -0.78, 95% CI = -1.06 to -0.50, p < 0.01), TG (MD = -0.78, 95% CI = -0.93 to -0.62, p < 0.01), and LDL-C (MD = -0.76, 95% CI = -0.92 to -0.60, p < 0.01) levels in patients with hyperlipidemia, increases HDL-C (MD = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.14-0.51, p < 0.01) levels, and produces beneficial effects on cardiovascular function. Additionally, it can alleviate anxiety (MD = -3.37, 95% CI = -3.84 to -2.89, p < 0.01) and improve sleep quality (MD = -2.68, 95% CI = -3.63to -1.73, p < 0.01). Ba Duan Jin exercise therapy can improve the physical and mental condition and quality of life of patients with cardiovascular diseases, and it is worthy of further promotion and application in clinical practice. PROSPERO, identifier: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024496934.

Impact of Socio-Demographics and Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) on Misconceptions of Metformin Use in Diabetes: A Potential Myth and Disbelief in South Asia.

The influence of misconceptions and related socio-demographics on metformin use could hamper adherence to medications. This study aimed to assess the rates and causes of metformin non-adherence and to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on misconceptions of metformin use including the association with socio-demographic variables. An observational analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the diabetes clinic of Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle, Sri Lanka. Causes of metformin non-adherence, associations with socio-demographics, and KAP on misconceptions on metformin use were assessed using the chi-squared test, t-tests, and ANOVA using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) (p<0.05). Metformin non-adherence was reported as 55%. Use of complementary and alternative therapies was 14.7%. Fear of major organ failure was the commonest (20.5%) reason quoted within the non-adherence group (N=223). Socio-demographic factors like ethnicity, lower education, unemployment, use of complementary and alternative therapies, and obtaining medications for other diabetes-related diseases significantly influenced adherence to the metformin-prescribed doses (p<0.05). Among all participants (N=400), the most common misconception was that long-term use of metformin caused organ damage (kidney 72.5%, liver 64.3%, and heart 34.8%), while 44% believed higher doses (two tablets or more for a day) caused organ damage. The KAP scores were reported as 24.5% with low, 52.7% moderate, and 22.7% satisfactory levels. Significantly lower KAP scores were associated with lower education levels and patients obtaining complementary and alternative therapies (p<0.05). Misconceptions are not merely kept in mind but lead to non-adherence with metformin doses prescribed and warrant evidence-based educational interventions with the high-risk groups.

Regulatory Frameworks for Integrated Medicine Management in USA, Europe, Japan, and China

Integrated Medicine Management (IMM) is an all-encompassing healthcare approach that merges conventional Western medicine with complementary and alternative therapies. The primary objective of IMM is to address the underlying causes of illnesses and promote overall health and wellness of patients. As the utilization of complementary and alternative therapies becomes increasingly prevalent, the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and effective integration of these therapies into conventional healthcare systems is growing rapidly. Regulatory framework of IMM varies between countries, considering the facts that each country has its own unique approach to manage the integration of complementary and alternative therapies. In this article, we aim to explore the regulatory frameworks for IMM in four major markets, i.e. the United States (US), European Union (EU), Japan, and China. In the US, IMM regulation is centralized among different Federal agencies, however states have varying degrees of oversight. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating dietary supplements and herbal products, while state medical boards oversee the practice of alternative medicine. Additionally, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) provides research and education on complementary and alternative therapies. Conversely, the regulation of IMM is more centralized in EU, where the European Medicines Agency (EMA) oversees the approval of herbal and homeopathic medicines, and the European Commission provides guidelines for the use of complementary and alternative therapies in healthcare. In Japan, the regulation of IMM is tightly controlled by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), which approves traditional herbal medicines and acupuncture needles, and mandates practitioners to be licensed. China recognizes traditional medicine alongside with Western medicine. The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SATCM) oversees the regulation of traditional medicine and promotes its integration with Western medicine.

Pengaruh Kombinasi Kompres Hangat dan Dzikir terhadap Tingkat Nyeri pada Pasien Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation (inflammation) of the gastric mucosa caused by irritating and infectious factors, namely increased stomach acid. of the many factors that cause gastritis make the incidence of gastritis increase, due to irregular and unhealthy eating habits, alcoholic beverages, stress and consuming lots of coffee which can stimulate increased production of stomach acid. This community service activity was carried out by providing a combination therapy of warm compresses and dhikr therapy to reduce the pain sensitivity of patients with gastritis, with a total of 17 respondents. The aim of implementing this community service is to increase knowledge, reduce pain levels, empower patients and families, improve the quality of life of patients and to encourage the use of complementary therapies in health care and increase community participation in health programs. After the pre-test and post-test, it can be concluded that the combination of warm compresses and dhikr can reduce pain levels in gastritis patients. So it is recommended for gastritis sufferers to do warm compresses and dhikr as an alternative therapy when feeling pain.

Prevalence and determinants of massage therapy use in the U.S.: Findings from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey

BackgroundThis study presents findings on the prevalence and determinants of past-year massage therapy use among U.S. adults from the 2022 round of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) (total available N = 27,651), an annual national population survey. MethodsThe NHIS uses face-to-face interviews on a representative sample of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population drawn using a systematic, stratified, single-stage probability design. The analyses consist of logistically modeling the determinants of three outcome (dependent) measures: past year utilization of a practitioner of massage, past year utilization of massage for pain, and past-year utilization of massage to restore overall health. Exposure (independent) variables include numerous sociodemographic, health services, health-related, mental health and well-being, and behavioral indicators. ResultsThe past-year prevalence rate for visiting a massage therapist in the U.S. is 11.1 %. The past-year rate for massage visits for pain is 6.0 %, and for restoring overall health is 8.5 %. Significantly higher rates are found among females and socioeconomically advantaged individuals, among other categories, and the strongest net determinant of massage therapy utilization is use of complementary or integrative practitioners. ConclusionIt is apparent that massage therapy is a commonly utilized therapeutic modality in the U.S. While use of complementary or integrative therapies is a significant determinant of massage utilization, it may not be fitting to consider massage therapy itself as an “alternative” therapy, but rather a widely used and increasingly mainstream therapeutic modality meriting wider integration into the community of healthcare professions.

Unveiling the Placebo Effect: How Belief Shapes Relief in Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a complex condition that is influenced by biological, psychological and social factors and poses considerable challenges for effective treatment. The biopsychosocial model of pain emphasizes the importance of incorporating various factors into treatment strategies. In this context, the placebo effect emerges as a remarkable phenomenon that offers insights into the interplay of persuasion and relief in the treatment of low back pain. This paper explores the multifaceted nature of low back pain and highlights the role of the placebo effect in shaping treatment outcomes. It looks at recent research highlighting the influence of patient-practitioner interactions, contextual factors and neurobiological mechanisms on placebo responses. It also discusses how placebo interventions, ranging from inert substances to sham surgery, have shown significant efficacy in relieving low back pain symptoms. Neuroimaging studies have provided valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying the placebo effect, enabling the development of targeted interventions. In addition, ethical considerations related to the use of placebos, including transparency, informed consent and harm minimization, are addressed to ensure ethical practice. Healthcare providers are encouraged to harness the placebo effect through evidence-based interventions and patient-centered care. Through the use of positive communication, empathy and complementary therapies, clinicians can optimize treatment outcomes and improve the overall well-being of patients. Looking to the future, interdisciplinary collaboration and advances in neuroscience promise to further unlock the therapeutic potential of the placebo effect in the treatment of low back pain. By combining scientific rigor and compassionate care, healthcare providers can navigate the complexities of placebo use in an ethical and effective manner, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with low back pain and other chronic conditions.

Use of complementary therapies and supportive measures of patients with intracranial gliomas—a prospective evaluation in an outpatient clinic

PurposePatients with intracranial gliomas frequently seek for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), in addition to guideline-directed therapy. In this study, we therefore assessed patients’ information needs regarding treatment and support, and evaluated their attitudes toward experimental trials and alternative therapies.MethodsA prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive survey was conducted in our center. We developed an interview focusing on how patients obtain further information about therapy and the use of alternative/complementary therapies.ResultsA total of 102 patients participated in the survey. 50% (n = 51) of patients reported that they had not attempted any additional therapies. When patients attempted self-therapy, it was most commonly in the areas of nutrition (25%, n = 26) and dietary supplements (17%, n = 17). Alternative or complementary therapies were used by 14% (n = 14) of the patients. Younger age (Odds ratio (OR) 0.96 (95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.92–0.99, p = 0.012) and tumor entity (OR 5.01 (95% CI 1.66–15.11, p = 0.004) for grade 4 vs. 3 tumors and OR 7.22 (95% CI 1.99–26.28) for grade 4 vs. other tumors p = 0.003) were significantly associated with a greater interest in CAM.ConclusionsInterest in complementary and alternative medicine, as well as nutrition and dietary supplements is high (51%) among glioma patients, and significantly higher among younger patients and those with a worse diagnosis (WHO grade 4). A comprehensive approach to information, including paramedical topics, is needed to provide optimal patient counseling and care for glioma patients.

Haemodialysis Patients' Experiences on Complementary and Alternative Therapies: A Qualitative Study

Background: The term complementary and alternative therapies refers to a broad range of medical and healthcare procedures that are outside the purview of traditional medicine. Despite gaps in the scientific evidence to support its use and difficulties in regulating and integrating it into traditional healthcare procedures, the use of complementary and alternative therapies is constantly rising. Aim: This study aims to explore the experiences of complementary and alternative therapies among haemodialysis patients. Material and Methods: The study was carried out by adopting the qualitative descriptive research method. Semistructured qualitative interviews, with 17 haemodialysis patients, were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Data saturation was reached during interviews, and audio recordings were verbatim transcribed. Both researchers independently identified key topics, which were subsequently discussed and evaluated simultaneously. Results: We identified 4 overarching main themes in this setting: (1) Seeking Control over Health (to have control over their health status); (2) Relief from negative symptoms (to get rid of the negative symptoms they experience; (3) Hope (in the hope of feeling healthy again); and (4) Fear (in which they are afraid to tell health professionals and are afraid of not receiving support). Conclusion: This study showed that haemodialysis patients seek complementary and alternative therapies because of having control over their health, relief from negative symptoms, hope to feel healthy again, and fear of telling health professionals and receiving support. It is recommended that health professionals should provide information about the safety and possible side effects of these therapies and practice patient-centered treatment through active communication during the treatment process.

Antioxidant Properties of Resveratrol in the Brain Tissues of Rats after Radiotherapy

Background:: In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of herbal products as complementary or alternative therapies for cancer patients. RVT has been extensively studied for its potential role in managing oxidative stress in cancer patients undergoing treatment. Method:: In this study, the radioprotective effects of Resveratrol (RVT) (200 mg/kg) were evaluated in the brain tissues of rats after Radiation Therapy (RT). 20 male adult Wistar rats weighing 180–200 g were used. The animals were exposed to single-fraction Irradiation (IR) (15 Gy) using a linear accelerator unit (Siemens Primus) at a dosage rate of 200 cGy/min at a distance of 100 cm from the source to the axis. Results:: The results of the study showed that compared to the IR group, administration of RVT decreased the levels of MDA and NOx, and increased the levels of CAT and SOD significantly (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion:: Finally, our finding suggests that RVT could have radioprotective effects on the brain by enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Overcoming Sleep Disorders with Complementary Therapy for Patients Undergoing Hemodialisis

This study aims to collect relevant information on the effectiveness of complementary therapies in treating sleep disturbances in patients undergoing routine hemodialysis. The method used in this study is a literature study by collecting and reviewing several published articles regarding the role, use, and effect of complementary therapy in patients on routine hemodialysis with sleep disturbance problems. The results showed the effectiveness of complementary therapies such as music therapy, acupressure, and Benson's relaxation in overcoming sleep disturbances and improving patients' sleep quality. In conclusion, the three complementary therapies can overcome sleep disturbances and improve hemodialysis patients' sleep quality. However, of the three therapies, the authors concluded that Benson's relaxation intervention was an intervention that had better effectiveness than other complementary therapies. Keywords: Complementary Therapy, Hemodialysis, Sleep Disorders

Examination of Complementary Treatment Use of Individuals with Interstitial Cystitis: Descriptive Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the use of complementary therapy in individuals with interstitial cystitis. Material and Methods: This study, which was carried out in a descriptive research design, was carried out with 80 female patients over 18 years of age with interstitial cystitis, who applied to the Urology Outpatient Clinic of a city hospital in Istanbul between January and July 2023. The data were collected by face-to-face (onsite) interview method using a form prepared by the researchers in line with the literature to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of the patients and their use of complementary therapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 statistical software for Windows. Results are reported as mean ± SD. Ethics committee and institutional permission were obtained before starting the study. Results: When the characteristics of the individuals included in the study were examined; The mean age was 42.80±10.68 years, 60% did not have a chronic disease, 65% used any complementary treatment method, 43.2% used herbal treatment method, 50% did not receive complementary treatment. 55% received this information from the physician, 50% used complementary therapy to reduce their pain, 61.5% did not experience any side effects after using complementary therapy, 80.8% believed that complementary therapy was effective. It was determined that 53.8% of them did not share the complementary treatment methods they used with the physician or nurse. Conclusion: It was seen that the majority of individuals with interstitial cystitis used any complementary treatment, half of them did not get information before using the treatment, and more than half did not share the complementary treatment methods they used with the physician or nurse.

Relationship between coronavirus anxiety, resilience, and attitudes toward complementary and alternative treatment among patients admitted&lt;br /&gt; to the COVID-19 Outpatient Clinic

&lt;b&gt;Aim&lt;/b&gt;: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the studies showed an increase in complementary and alternative therapy use. This study aimed to determine the relationship between coronavirus anxiety, resilience, and attitudes toward complementary and alternative treatment among patients admitted to the COVID-19 outpatient clinic.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Material and methods&lt;/b&gt;: This is a descriptive and relational study. The sample consisted of 364 patients who applied to the pandemic outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, and Scale for Attitudes toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and the Spearman correlation test were used in data analysis.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt;: There was a moderate and negative correlation (r = −0.332) between attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine and coronavirus anxiety, and a moderate and positive correlation (r = 0.348) between attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine and resilience (p &amp;lt; 0.01). Additionally, there was a moderate and negative correlation between coronavirus anxiety and resilience (r = −0.667; p &amp;lt; 0.01).&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusion&lt;/b&gt;: In the COVID-19 pandemic process, it is essential to follow up on patients' complementary and alternative medicine use, inform them, and determine their causes.

Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Use of Complementary and Integrative Health Therapies for Veterans with Opioid Use Disorder in the Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VA) offers complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapies to Veterans with chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD). While CIH therapies have known benefits for chronic pain, less research exists on its use for patients with OUD. In this qualitative study, we aimed to assess provider and patient perceptions of CIH therapies for Veterans with OUD. We interviewed 45 providers involved in OUD care and 17 Veterans with OUD from five VA medical centers as part of a larger mixed-methods evaluation. Interviewees were identified through a snowball sampling strategy. The interview guide used the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model to explore contextual factors influencing CIH therapy adoption (i.e., patient perspectives, provider perspectives, external environment). Most Veterans and providers were knowledgeable about CIH therapies and had positive experiences with them. Providers and Veterans said it was important to offer non-pharmacologic options for OUD. Some providers, however, felt that Veterans with OUD may be less likely than those with only chronic pain to consider CIH therapies due to more reported patient resistance and other barriers. Veterans with OUD and their providers were enthusiastic about integrating CIH therapies into treatment plans as a non-pharmacologic option for chronic pain and OUD. However, providers noted unique challenges impacting use of CIH therapies for Veterans with OUD. Providers may benefit from learning patient-centered approaches to offering CIH therapies to Veterans with OUD as part of a comprehensive pain treatment plan.

Measuring Patient-Reported Use and Outcomes From Complementary and Integrative Health Therapies: Development of the Complementary and Integrative Health Therapy Patient Experience Survey.

Assessing the use and effectiveness of complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapies via survey can be complicated given CIH therapies are used in various locations and formats, the dosing required to have an effect is unclear, the potential health and well-being outcomes are many, and describing CIH therapies can be challenging. Few surveys assessing CIH therapy use and effectiveness exist, and none sufficiently reflect these complexities. In a large-scale Veterans Health Administration (VA) quality improvement effort, we developed the "Complementary and Integrative Health Therapy Patient Experience Survey", a longitudinal, electronic patient self-administered survey to comprehensively assess CIH therapy use and outcomes. We obtained guidance from the literature, subject matter experts, and Veteran patients who used CIH therapies in designing the survey. As a validity check, we completed cognitive testing and interviews with those patients. We conducted the survey (March 2021-April 2023), inviting 15,608 Veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain with a recent CIH appointment or referral identified in VA electronic medical records (EMR) to participate. As a second validity check, we compared VA EMR data and patient self-reports of CIH therapy utilization a month after survey initiation and again at survey conclusion. The 64-item, electronic survey assesses CIH dosing (amount and timing), delivery format and location, provider location, and payor. It also assesses 7 patient-reported outcomes (pain, global mental health, global physical health, depression, quality of life, stress, and meaning/purpose in life), and 3 potential mediators (perceived health competency, healthcare engagement, and self-efficacy for managing diseases). The survey took 17minutes on average to complete and had a baseline response rate of 45.3%. We found high degrees of concordance between self-reported and EMR data for all therapies except meditation. Validly assessing patient-reported CIH therapy use and outcomes is complex, but possible.