scholarly journals A cross-sectional workforce survey of three traditional and complementary medicine professions in Ontario, Canada

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0250223
Author(s):  
Nadine Ijaz ◽  
Sandy Welsh ◽  
Qi Zhang ◽  
David Brule ◽  
Heather Boon

Background Workforce studies about traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) occupations in industrialized countries are scant; and, these occupations’ position within the broader occupational workforce remains unclear. This study aims to address these gaps using a comparative approach. Methods Naturopaths, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) / acupuncture practitioners, and homeopaths in Ontario, Canada were surveyed regarding their demographics, practice characteristics and self-reported income. Results were compared with parallel data from within and outside of Ontario. Results Study response rate: 23.3% (n = 1205). While predominantly female (57.9%), Ontario’s TCM/acupuncture profession was less feminized than the naturopathic (77.1%) and homeopathic (78.3%) groups. Naturopaths were significantly younger than, and reported fewer years of clinical experience than, the other two groups. About half of TCM/acupuncture practitioners, and almost one-third of homeopaths had trained outside of Canada, predominantly in East and South Asia, respectively. More TCM/acupuncture practitioners (58.9%) and homeopaths (57.6%) had multilingual clinical practices than naturopaths (19.1%). Homeopaths worked fewer hours and saw fewer patients per week than the other occupations. Self-reported mean incomes varied across groups, with naturopaths earning more on average ($63,834, SD $57,101) than did TCM/acupuncture practitioners ($45,624, SD $44,081) or homeopaths ($29,230, SD $41,645). Holding other variables constant, internationally-trained practitioners reported earning one-third less than their Canadian-trained counterparts. Discussion & conclusions Study findings echo occupationally-specific data from other industrialized jurisdictions; and, affirm that different T&CM occupations have distinctive demographic and practice characteristics. The demographic makeup of Ontario’s TCM/acupuncture and homeopathy occupations suggests a role for these groups in delivering culturally-responsive care within Asian ethnic communities. T&CM practitioner incomes, in particular for internationally-trained practitioners, fell below the provincial population income median, and in many cases below the poverty line. T&CM occupations’ relative socio-political marginality may be impacting clinicians’ ability to earn a viable living.

Crisis ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 278-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen M. Davison ◽  
Bonnie J. Kaplan

Background: Mood disorders are associated with a high risk of suicide. Statin therapy has been implicated in this relationship. Aims: To further clarify reported associations between suicide and cholesterol in mental health conditions, we conducted an analysis of dietary, clinical, and suicidal ideation measures in community-living adults with mood disorders. Method: Data were used from a cross-sectional study of a randomly selected community-based sample (> 18 years; n = 97) with verified mood disorders. Dietary (e.g., fat, iron, vitamin intakes), clinical (e.g., current depression and mania symptoms, medications), and sociodemographic (age, sex, and income) measures were analyzed using bivariate statistics and Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: Participants were predominantly female (71.1%) with bipolar disorder (59.8%); almost one-third (28.9%) were taking lipophilic statins. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was more than 2.5 times in those taking statins, PR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.27–5.31, p < .05. The prevalence ratio for suicidal ideation was 1.10, 95% CI 1.06–1.15, p < .001, for each unit increase in mania symptom scores. No associations between suicidal ideation and dietary intake measures were identified. Conclusion: Individuals with mood disorders may be susceptible to neuropsychiatric effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs, which warrants further research.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 65-69
Author(s):  
Mao Nguyen Van ◽  
Dong Tran Nam

Background: Pigmented tumour of the skin is one of the common tumour in human including the benign pigmented tumours (more common) called Nevi tumours and the malignant one called melanoma which was less frequent but the most poor in prognosis. In addition, the others not belonging to these group had the same clinical appearance, so the application of histopathology and immunohistochemistry for the definitive diagnosis was indespensible. Objectives: 1. To describe the macroscopic features of the pigmented tumoral-like lesions; 2. To classify the histopathologic types of the pigmented cell tumours and the other pigmented tumours of the skin. Materials and Method: Cross-sectional research on 55 patients diagnosed as pigmented tumoral lesions by clinician, then all definitively diagnosed by histopathology combining the immunohistochemistry in difficult cases. Results: There was no difference in gender, the disease was discovered most common in adult, especially with the age over 51 years old (58.1%). the most region located was in the face accounting for 60%, following the trunk and limbs (14.6%, 12.8% respectively). All 3 malignant melanomas happened in foot. The most common color of the lesions was black (65.4%), the other ones were rose, grey and blue. Histopathology and immunohisthochemistry showed that the true pigmented cell tumours were 52.6% encompassing benign ones (Nevi tumour) (41.8%), melanoma (5.4%) and lentigo (5.4%). 47.4% was not the true pigmented cell tumour including pigmented basocellular carcinoma (36.4%) and the others less common as histiofibromas, acanthoma and papilloma. Conclusion: the pigmented tumoral-like lesions of the skin could be the true pigmented cell tumours and the others, so the application of the histopathology and the immunohistochemistry after the clinical discovery helps to determine and classify the disease definitely and for the best orientation of treatment as well. Key words: skin tumour, benign pigmented tumour (Nevi), malignant pigmented tumour (melanoma), pigmented basocellular carcinoma


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 28-33
Author(s):  
Mao Nguyen Van ◽  
Thao Le Thi Thu

Background: In practice it was difficult or impossible to have a correct diagnosis for the lymphoid proliferation lesions based on only H.E standard histopathology. In addition to histopathology, the application of immunohistochemistry was indispensable for the definitive diagnosis of the malignant or benign tumours and the origin of the tumour cells as well. Objectives: 1. To describe the gross and microscopic features of the suspected lesions of lymphoma; 2. To asses the expression of some immunologic markers for the diagnosis and classification of the suspected lesions of lymphoma. Materials and Method: Cross-sectional research on 81 patients diagnosed by histopathology as lymphomas or suspected lesions of lymphoma, following with immunohistopathology staining of 6 main markers including LCA, CD3, CD20, Bcl2, CD30 and AE1/3. Results: The most site was lymph node 58.1% which appeared at cervical region 72.3%, then the stomach 14.9% and small intestine 12.4%. The other sites in the body were met with lower frequency. Histopathologically, the most type of the lesions was atypical hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissue suspecting the lymphomas 49.4%, lymphomas 34.5%, the other diagnoses were lower including inflammation, poor differentiation carcinoam not excluding the lymphomas, lymphomas differentiating with poor differentiation carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry showed that, LCA, CD3, CD20, Bcl2, CD30 and AE1/3 were all positive depending on such type of tumours. The real lymphomas were 48/81 cases (59.3%), benign ones 35.8% and poor differentiated carcinomas 4.9%. Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry with 6 markers could help to diagnose correctly as benign or malignant lesions, classify and determine the origin of the tumour cells as lymphocytes or epithelial cells diagnosed by histopathology as lymphomas or suspected lesions of lymphomas. Key words: histopathology, immunohistochemistry, lymphomas, poor differentiated carcinomas, hyperplasia, atypicality


Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 250
Author(s):  
Louise Witteman ◽  
Herman A. van Wietmarschen ◽  
Esther T. van der Werf

Due to the excessive use of antibiotic and antimycotic treatments, the risk of resistant microbes and fungi is rapidly emerging. Previous studies have demonstrated that many women with (recurrent) urinary tract infection (UTI) and/or vaginal infections (VIs) welcome alternative management approaches to reduce the use of antibiotics and antifungals and avoid short- and long-term adverse effects. This study aims to determine which complementary medicine (CM) and self-care strategies are being used by women suffering from (recurrent) UTI and VI in The Netherlands and how they perceive their effectiveness in order to define directions for future research on safety, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of best practices. A cross-sectional online survey was performed among women, ≥18 years old, with a history of UTIs; 162 respondents were included in the data analysis, with most participants aged between 50 and 64 years (36.4%). The women reported having consulted a CM practitioner for UTI-specific symptoms (23.5%) and VI-specific symptoms (13.6%). Consultations of homeopaths, acupuncturists, and herbal physicians are most often reported. Overall, 81.7% of the women suffering from UTI used complementary or self-care strategies besides regular treatment, and 68.7% reported using CM/self-care strategies to treat vaginal symptoms. UTI- related use of cranberries (51.9%), vitamin C (43.8%), and D-mannose (32.7%) were most reported. Perceived effectiveness was mostly reported for homeopathic remedies and D-mannose. The results showed a substantial burden of UTI and VI on daily and sexual activities. Besides the frequency of use, the indication of perceived effectiveness seems to be an important parameter for further and rigorously designed research to encourage nonantibiotic/antifungal treatment implementation into daily clinical practice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Rubel ◽  
N. Flaibani

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore through cross-sectional study the variation in the prevalence of parasitic helminths in canine faeces collected from green spaces of Buenos Aires according to the human density (HD) and economic level (EL) in the surroundings. HD and EL were considered as independent variables with three categories each. Twenty public squares (one hectare of surface) were randomly selected for each existing combination of the two independent variables. Ten random samples of fresh canine faeces were obtained in each square and analysed for helminths by the sedimentation and flotation techniques. The prevalence for each of the species was analysed using generalized linear models (GLM). The prevalence was modelled with a binomial error distribution and a logit link function. Helminth eggs were detected in 45 out of the 200 (22.5%) faecal samples collected and in 18 of the 20 green spaces sampled. The species observed were Ancylostoma caninum (13% of samples), Trichuris vulpis (8%) and Toxocara canis (4.5%). The GLM indicated that the prevalence of A. caninum in the slum areas (very high HD and very low EL) was higher than that in the other areas studied. However, the HD seemed to contribute more than the EL to the variations in the prevalence of A. caninum in faecal samples. The GLM showed no differences in the prevalence of the other parasite species for the different levels of the independent variables.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2648
Author(s):  
Shila Minari Hargreaves ◽  
Eduardo Yoshio Nakano ◽  
Heesup Han ◽  
António Raposo ◽  
Antonio Ariza-Montes ◽  
...  

This study aimed to evaluate the general quality of life (QoL) of Brazilian vegetarians. A cross-sectional study was conducted with Brazilian vegetarian adults (18 years old and above). Individuals were recruited to participate in a nationwide online survey that comprised the WHOQOL-BREF as well as sociodemographic and characterization questions related to vegetarianism. The WHOQOL-BREF is composed of 24 items which are divided into four domains (domain 1: physical health; domain 2: psychological well-being; domain 3: social relationships; and domain 4: environment), plus two general items which were analyzed separately, totaling 26 items. The answers from the questionnaire were converted into scores with a 0–100 scale range, with separate analyses for each domain. Results were compared among groups based on the different characteristics of the vegetarian population. A total of 4375 individuals completed the survey. General average score results were 74.67 (domain 1), 66.71 (domain 2), 63.66 (domain 3) and 65.76 (domain 4). Vegans showed better scores when compared to the other vegetarians, except in domain four, where the statistical difference was observed only for semi-vegetarians (lower score). Individuals adopting a vegetarian diet for longer (>1 year) showed better results for domains one and two, with no difference for the other domains. Having close people also adopting a vegetarian diet positively influenced the results for all domains. On the other hand, it was not possible to distinguish any clear influence of the motivation for adopting a vegetarian diet on the scores’ results. Adopting a vegetarian diet does not have detrimental effects on one’s QoL. In fact, the more plant-based the diet, and the longer it was adopted, the better the results were.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suleyman Utku Celik ◽  
Alperen Aslan ◽  
Eylul Coskun ◽  
Beyza Nur Coban ◽  
Zeynep Haner ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Burnout resulting from long-term and unmanaged workplace stress is high among healthcare professionals, especially surgeons, and affects both individuals and the quality of patient care. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors for burnout among attending general surgeons and to identify possible preventive strategies. Methods A national cross-sectional survey using a 35-item questionnaire was conducted among members of the Turkish Surgical Society. The survey evaluated demographics, professional and practice characteristics, social participation, and burnout as well as interventions to deal with burnout. Burnout was defined as a high score on the emotional exhaustion (EE) and/or depersonalization (DP) subscales. Surgeons with high scores on both the EE and DP and a low score on personal accomplishment (PA) were considered to have severe burnout. Results Six hundred fifteen general surgeons completed the survey. The median EE, DP, and PA scores were 34 (IQR, 20–43), 9 (IQR, 4–16), and 36 (IQR, 30–42), respectively. Overall, the prevalence of burnout and severe burnout were 69.1 and 22.0%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with burnout were working in a training and research hospital (OR = 3.34; P < 0.001) or state hospital (OR = 2.77; P = 0.001), working ≥ 60 h per week (OR = 1.57; P = 0.046), and less frequent participation in social activities (OR = 3.65; P < 0.001). Conclusions Burnout is an important problem among general surgeons with impacts and consequences for professionals, patients, and society. Considering that burnout is a preventable condition, systematic efforts to identify at-risk populations and to develop strategies to address burnout in surgeons are needed.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 292
Author(s):  
María Victoria Pendón-Ruiz de Mier ◽  
Noemí Vergara ◽  
Cristian Rodelo-Haad ◽  
María Dolores López-Zamorano ◽  
Cristina Membrives-González ◽  
...  

In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, it would be desirable to reduce the intake of inorganic phosphate (P) rather than limit the intake of P contained in proteins. Urinary excretion of P should reflect intestinal absorption of P(inorganic plus protein-derived). The aim of the present study is to determine whether the ratio of urinary P to urinary urea nitrogen (P/UUN ratio) helps identify patients with a high intake of inorganic P.A cross-sectional study was performed in 71 patients affected by metabolic syndrome with CKD (stages 2–3) with normal serum P concentration. A 3-day dietary survey was performed to estimate the average daily amount and the source of P ingested. The daily intake of P was 1086.5 ± 361.3 mg/day; 64% contained in animal proteins, 22% in vegetable proteins, and 14% as inorganic P. The total amount of P ingested did not correlate with daily phosphaturia, but it did correlate with the P/UUN ratio (p < 0.018). Patients with the highest tertile of the P/UUN ratio >71.1 mg/g presented more abundant inorganic P intake (p < 0.038).The P/UUN ratio is suggested to be a marker of inorganic P intake. This finding might be useful in clinical practices to identify the source of dietary P and to make personalized dietary recommendations directed to reduce inorganic P intake.


2021 ◽  
pp. 136843022199008
Author(s):  
Mustafa Firat ◽  
Kimberly A. Noels

Bicultural identity orientations have rarely been examined in relation to both perceived discrimination and psychological distress. Furthermore, these constructs have usually been studied in isolation, but their intersection is essential for understanding intercultural relations in multicultural societies. Using cross-sectional data from 1,143 Canadian undergraduate students from immigrant families, this study explored the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological distress, and how bicultural identity orientations might mediate this relationship. The structural equation modeling results indicated that perceived discrimination was associated with higher levels of psychological distress and hybrid, monocultural, alternating, and conflicted orientations, but lower levels of complementary orientation. Alternating and conflicted orientations were related to higher psychological distress, whereas the other orientations were not. Alternating and conflicted orientations mediated the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological distress, whereas the other orientations did not. The findings are discussed in light of theories on identity integration, rejection–identification, and acculturation.


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