Attitudes underlying reliance on complementary and alternative medicine

Objective: We aimed to map attitudes underlying complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use, especially those involved in “dysfunctional CAM reliance”, that is, foregoing biomedical treatment in a life-threatening situation in favor of alternative treatment. Analyses of modifiable determinants of CAM use were conducted at a sufficiently specific level to inform intervention development.Methods: We collected usable data on CAM-related attitudinal beliefs from 151 participants in Budapest with varying degrees of CAM use, which we analyzed using Confidence Interval-Based Estimation of Relevance plots.Results: Although there were beliefs which the entire sample shared, there was a marked difference between the biomedical and CAM groups. These differences were beliefs concerning trust in various medical systems; the level of importance assigned to emotions in falling ill; and vitalism or Eastern concepts. Regarding CAM users in general, the most successful intervention targets are beliefs in vitalism on the one hand, and distrust in biomedicine on the other. In addressing dysfunctional CAM use specifically, the most significant beliefs pertain to “natural” cures and reliance on biomedical testing.Conclusions: Albeit much research has been carried out on the motivations behind CAM use, rarely do studies treat complementary and alternative CAM users separately in order to scrutinize patterns of non-conventional medicine use and underlying cognition. This is the first study to begin pinpointing specific attitudes involved in dysfunctional CAM use to inform future intervention development. Such interventions would be essential for the prevention of incidents and mortality.

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Attitudes Underlying Reliance on Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Integrative Cancer Therapies ◽

10.1177/1534735420910472 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 ◽

pp. 153473542091047 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Szilvia Zörgő ◽

Gjalt-Jorn Ygram Peters ◽

Samvel Mkhitaryan

Keyword(s):

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Intervention Development ◽

Medical Systems ◽

Specific Level ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Cam Use ◽

The One ◽

Threatening Situation ◽

Complementary And Alternative

Objective: We aimed to map attitudes underlying complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use, especially those involved in “dysfunctional CAM reliance,” that is, forgoing biomedical treatment in a life-threatening situation in favor of alternative treatment. Analyses of modifiable determinants of CAM use were conducted at a sufficiently specific level to inform intervention development. Methods: We collected usable data on CAM-related attitudinal beliefs from 151 participants in Budapest with varying degrees of CAM use, which we analyzed using confidence interval–based estimation of relevance plots. Results: Although there were beliefs that the entire sample shared, there was a marked difference between the biomedical and CAM groups. These differences were beliefs concerning trust in various medical systems, the level of importance assigned to emotions in falling ill, and vitalism or Eastern concepts. Regarding CAM users in general, the most successful intervention targets are beliefs in vitalism on the one hand, and distrust in biomedicine on the other. In addressing dysfunctional CAM use specifically, the most significant beliefs pertain to “natural” cures and reliance on biomedical testing. Conclusions: Albeit much research has been carried out on the motivations behind CAM use, rarely do studies treat CAM users separately in order to scrutinize patterns of nonconventional medicine use and underlying cognition. This is the first study to begin pinpointing specific attitudes involved in dysfunctional CAM use to inform future intervention development. Such interventions would be essential for the prevention of incidents and mortality.

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Complementary and Alternative Medicine/Integrative Medicine Approaches

10.1093/med/9780190493097.003.0014 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Kalpana D. Shere-Wolfe

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Conventional Medicine ◽

Health Care Systems ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Care Systems ◽

Cam Use ◽

Alternative Medications ◽

Complementary And Alternative

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not currently considered part of conventional medicine. If a non-mainstream practice is used together with conventional medicine, it is considered “complementary.” If a non-mainstream practice is used in place of conventional medicine, it is considered “alternative.” Many patients use CAM approaches to their care. Often, patients do not disclose what methods they are using, and providers may have little knowledge of the effects of alternative medications. Interactions with antiretroviral therapy and other medications are important to the care of the patient. Physicians need to routinely ask about CAM use, particularly herbal medicines and supplements.

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Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among emergency department (ED) patients in Sweden

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies ◽

10.1186/s12906-020-03126-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jenny M Carlsson ◽

Madelene Vestin ◽

Kristofer Bjerså

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Prescription Drugs ◽

Conventional Medicine ◽

Healthcare Personnel ◽

Full Time ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Cam Use ◽

Complementary And Alternative

Abstract Background It has been suggested that the combination of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with conventional medicine carries a risk of adverse effects. The prevalence of CAM usage among patients in the Swedish emergency department (ED) is unknown. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate CAM use among visiting patients at a Swedish ED. Method A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed between August and October 2016 at an ED in Sweden. The questionnaire included 16 items regarding CAM use, factors associated with CAM use and patient healthcare communication and was distributed to 1600 patients. Results A total of 1029 questionnaires was returned (RR 64.3%). Current CAM use was reported by 7.9%, during the last year by 38.0%, and within lifetime by 72.9%. Factors associated with CAM use were: being a woman, middle-aged, in full-time employment, with secondary education level, higher use of non-prescription drugs and lower use of prescription drugs. Patient healthcare personnel communication about CAM was found to be approximately 5%. Conclusion CAM usage exists among patients visiting Swedish EDs and almost one in ten uses CAM on the same day as the ED visit. CAM usage is associated with demographic factors. However, communication about CAM usage with ED personnel is poor.

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Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Dermatology Outpatients

Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1203475415584867 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 19 (6) ◽

pp. 570-579 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Khalid M. AlGhamdi ◽

Huma Khurrum ◽

Sahar H. Al-Natour ◽

Waleed Alghamdi ◽

Thamer Mubki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Skin Diseases ◽

Conventional Medicine ◽

Arab World ◽

Common Belief ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cam Use ◽

Complementary And Alternative

Background: Little is known about the prevalence and practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among dermatology patients in the Arab world. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitudes about CAM, prevalence of its use, reasons for its use, and types of CAM used in dermatology patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a national survey of various regions of Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, dermatology outpatients were interviewed using a questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, acceptability, utilization pattern, and reasons for CAM use were elicited. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was obtained. Results: Overall, 1901 patients returned complete questionnaires out of 2500 distributed (76% response rate). Of these, 808 (40%) were CAM users, and the majority were woman (55.1%), with a mean age of 31.6 ± 12 years. Most were literate (71.2%) and just over half were married (51.9%). Patients with acute skin diseases were found to be more likely to use CAM ( P = .027). The mean DLQI score was higher (worse quality of life) among CAM users than among nonusers ( P = .002). The results showed that 315 of 801 (40%) and 250 of 601 (30%) CAM users agreed that CAM methods are safer and more effective than modern medicine, respectively, and 83% will continue to use CAM in future. The most commonly used CAM modalities were vitamins, prayers, natural products, and herbs. Responses indicated that 379 of 803 (47.2%) CAM users did not consult their doctor before using CAM, and 219 of 743 (30%) did not obtain sufficient answers regarding CAM use from their dermatologists. Conclusions: There is a significant use of CAM among dermatology outpatients in Saudi Arabia. In view of the common belief that CAM has fewer side effects than conventional medicine, dermatologists need to increase their awareness of CAM.

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Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Slovakia: Results of a National Population Survey

SAGE Open ◽

10.1177/21582440211068480 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 215824402110684

Author(s):

Ivan Souček ◽

Roman Hofreiter

Keyword(s):

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Adult Population ◽

Female Gender ◽

Medical Systems ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cam Use ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Complementary And Alternative

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Europe has intensely increased in recent decades. To acquire information about the patterns and trends of CAM use in Slovakia, a nationwide representative survey was conducted on Slovakian adult population. A nationally representative cross-sectional survey was administered to the general population of Slovakian residents aged 18 years and over. The respondents were interviewed face-to-face by professional interviewers. Data were collected during September 2019 as a part of an omnibus survey on a variety of subjects. Altogether, 82.4% of the respondents reported either regular CAM method use or the lifetime prevalence of such use. The most frequently reported group of methods were biologically based treatments (78.9%), followed by manipulative and body-based methods (54.4%), mind-body interventions (31.9%), whole medical systems (18.2%), and energy therapies (4.2%). Vitamins (71.1%), herbal teas (68.1%), massages (53.6%), religious healing (20.3%), and special diets (18.8%) were the five most commonly preferred CAM modalities. Female gender, higher income and higher education are significant predictors of CAM use. The study highlights the association between satisfaction with healthcare systems, health situations, and the use of CAM.

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A pilot international survey of oncologists’ opinions and self-reported practice patterns on complementary and alternative medicine

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.19526 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽

pp. 19526-19526

Author(s):

R. T. Lee ◽

F. J. Hlubocky ◽

J. J. Hu ◽

R. Stafford ◽

C. K. Daugherty

Keyword(s):

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Practice Patterns ◽

Mainland China ◽

The United States ◽

Medical Systems ◽

Continued Education ◽

Cam Use ◽

Complementary And Alternative

19526 Background: Prior research has indicated that the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among cancer patients often exceeds 80%. Information about the prevalence of CAM use is important because many biologically-based therapies or alternative medical systems can potentially interfere with chemotherapy efficacy and increase the risk for treatment related toxicity and other complications. Methods: In 2004–2005, oncologists from the United States, mainland China, and Taiwan were surveyed regarding their perceptions and self-reported practice patterns regarding CAM. Results: A total 95 oncologists returned surveys providing a 38.2% response rate. Four out of five respondents (78%) felt unprepared to integrate CAM modalities into their practice. However, 71% reported they would allow CAM use during active cancer treatment, even in the setting of curable disease. Surveyed Chinese/Taiwanese oncologists were more likely than their US colleagues to inquire about their patients use of CAM (ask >10% of patients) - 80.6% vs. 52.4% (p<0.05). The same was true for individuals who felt their previous training had prepared them for CAM use, as compared to those who felt unprepared (80.9% vs. 57.0% (p<0.01). Chinese/Taiwanese respondents felt no more prepared for CAM use than US respondents (25.8.1% vs. 20.6%, p=0.57), were less likely to report integrating CAM with curable disease (48.3% vs. 69.8%, p<0.05), and were more likely to report concern about patients’ motivations for CAM use (83.9% vs. 46.8%, p<0.01). Conclusions: Despite a stated lack of preparedness, the majority of surveyed oncologists would allow cancer patients with curable disease to integrate CAM therapies. Although routinely exposed to CAM modalities, such as traditional Chinese medicine, responding Chinese/Taiwanese oncologists felt just as unprepared as their US colleagues. In addition, increased concern about patients’ motivations was associated with decreased integration of CAM. Continued education is needed to improve oncologists’ knowledge about patients’ use of CAM. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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Patterns of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use, Perceived Benefits, and Adverse Effects among Adult Users in Enugu Urban, Southeast Nigeria

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2014/239372 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Ijeoma Okoronkwo ◽

Jane-lovena Onyia-pat ◽

Pat Okpala ◽

Mary-Ann Agbo ◽

Afam Ndu

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effects ◽

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Conventional Medicine ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Perceived Benefits ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Major Route ◽

Cam Use ◽

Complementary And Alternative

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is now on the increase. Evidence from studies carried out globally has established that CAM use is very common and varies among populations. This study investigated patterns of CAM use, perceived benefits, and associated harm with CAM use among adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three local government areas of Enugu urban, Southeast Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from all consenting adult participants aged between 18 and 65 years. Of the 732 participants interviewed, 62.8% were females while 37.2% were males. Majority (84.7%) of the participants had used CAM at one time or another. The most commonly used CAM product was the biological products, followed by spiritual therapy. The major route of administration for CAM products was oral and about 40% of the participants combined CAM with conventional medicine. Majority (78.6%) of CAM users benefited from CAM products after using them while a few complained of adverse reactions. As CAM is gaining widespread acceptance and use, there is need for clinical trial on the benefits and adverse effects associated with the use of CAM to facilitate proof of efficacy and safety of the products.

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Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease: An Evidence-Based Review

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2013/672097 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Matthew J. Rabito ◽

Alan David Kaye

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Medical Systems ◽

Rigorous Research ◽

Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Treatment Plans ◽

Cam Use ◽

Complementary And Alternative

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) plays a significant role in many aspects of healthcare worldwide, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review describes some of the challenges of CAM in terms of scientific research. Biologically-based therapies, mind-body therapies, manipulative and body-based therapies, whole medical systems, and energy medicine are reviewed in detail with regard to cardiovascular risk factors and mediation or modulation of cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. CAM use among patients with CVD is prevalent and in many instances provides positive and significant effects, with biologically-based and mind-body therapies being the most commonly used treatment modalities. More rigorous research to determine the precise physiologic effects and long-term benefits on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with CAM usage, as well as more open lines of communication between patients and physicians regarding CAM use, is essential when determining optimal treatment plans.

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Potential factors that influence usage of complementary and alternative medicine worldwide: a systematic review

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies ◽

10.1186/s12906-020-03157-2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mayuree Tangkiatkumjai ◽

Helen Boardman ◽

Dawn-Marie Walker

Keyword(s):

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Conventional Medicine ◽

Common Factor ◽

Easy Access ◽

Negative Attitudes ◽

Pilot Studies ◽

Perceived Safety ◽

Cam Use ◽

Complementary And Alternative

Abstract Objectives To determine similarities and differences in the reasons for using or not using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) amongst general and condition-specific populations, and amongst populations in each region of the globe. Methods A literature search was performed on Pubmed, ScienceDirect and EMBASE. Keywords: ‘herbal medicine’ OR ‘herbal and dietary supplement’ OR ‘complementary and alternative medicine’ AND ‘reason’ OR ‘attitude’. Quantitative or qualitative original articles in English, published between 2003 and 2018 were reviewed. Conference proceedings, pilot studies, protocols, letters, and reviews were excluded. Papers were appraised using valid tools and a ‘risk of bias’ assessment was also performed. Thematic analysis was conducted. Reasons were coded in each paper, then codes were grouped into categories. If several categories reported similar reasons, these were combined into a theme. Themes were then analysed using χ2 tests to identify the main factors related to reasons for CAM usage. Results 231 publications were included. Reasons for CAM use amongst general and condition-specific populations were similar. The top three reasons for CAM use were: (1) having an expectation of benefits of CAM (84% of publications), (2) dissatisfaction with conventional medicine (37%) and (3) the perceived safety of CAM (37%). Internal health locus of control as an influencing factor was more likely to be reported in Western populations, whereas the social networks was a common factor amongst Asian populations (p < 0.05). Affordability, easy access to CAM and tradition were significant factors amongst African populations (p < 0.05). Negative attitudes towards CAM and satisfaction with conventional medicine (CM) were the main reasons for non-use (p < 0.05). Conclusions Dissatisfaction with CM and positive attitudes toward CAM, motivate people to use CAM. In contrast, satisfaction with CM and negative attitudes towards CAM are the main reasons for non-use.

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Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Slovakia: Results of a National Population Survey

10.31124/advance.14815149.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ivan Soucek ◽

Roman Hofreiter

Keyword(s):

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Female Gender ◽

Medical Systems ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Religious Healing ◽

Cam Use ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Complementary And Alternative

Introduction: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Europe has intensely increased in recent decades. To acquire information about the patterns and trends of CAM use in Slovakia, a nationwide representative survey was conducted on Slovakian adult population. Methods: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey was administered to the general population of Slovakian residents aged 18 years and over. The respondents were interviewed face-to-face by professional interviewers. Data were collected during September 2019 as a part of an omnibus survey on a variety of subjects. Results: Altogether, 82.4% of the respondents reported either regular CAM method use or the lifetime prevalence of such use. The most frequently reported group of methods were biologically based treatments (78.9%), followed by manipulative and body-based methods (54.4%), mind-body interventions (31.9%), whole medical systems (18.2%) and energy therapies (4.2%). Vitamins (71.1%), herbal teas (68.1%), massages (53.6%), religious healing (20.3%) and special diets (18.8%) were the five most commonly preferred CAM modalities. It was indicated that female respondents with higher household income are more likely to use CAM. Conclusions: Female gender, higher income and higher education are significant predictors of CAM use. The study highlights the association between satisfaction with healthcare systems, health situations, and the use of CAM.

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