Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Hispanics in the United States

2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 994-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanca I Ortiz ◽  
Kelly M Shields ◽  
Kevin A Clauson ◽  
Patrick G Clay
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Star Anise ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

OBJECTIVE: To review the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Hispanics in the US and highlight the modalities most likely to be unfamiliar to healthcare practitioners. DATA SOURCES: A search of the literature published in English and a subsequent bibliographic search were conducted using MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, EMBASE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Manual Alternative and Natural Therapy Index System (1980– March 2007). Primary search terms included, but were not limited to, Hispanic, Latino, complementary and alternative medicine, and dietary supplements. Studies that assessed or evaluated the use of CAM in the Hispanic population were reviewed. Articles that included both Hispanics and non-Hispanics were also included. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: The literature search yielded 42 articles focused on the use of CAM by Hispanics. Survey was the most common method used in these studies, although some hybrid interviews were also conducted. DATA SYNTHESIS: Hispanics were identified homogenously in some studies and more correctly as a heterogeneous population in others. Some trials examined overall CAM use, whereas others looked at specific dietary supplements and herbs. Most reports found a higher than expected rate of CAM use in Hispanics (50–90%). A number of products potentially unfamiliar to healthcare practitioners, such as linden, sapodilla, and star anise, were reported as commonly used in several studies. Many studies were limited by the sample size or use of only one Hispanic subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Hispanics use a wide range of CAM therapies, including several that may be unfamiliar to healthcare practitioners. Understanding the rationale, motivations, and history of Hispanics' use of CAM will enhance the cultural competence of healthcare professionals and help address these patients' medical needs. TRASFONDO: El uso de terapias de medicina complementaria y alternativa (CAM) es común entre los pacientes y se cree que la etnicidad influye en la frecuencia y extensión de su uso. Los pacientes de origen Hispano son una sub-población en rápido crecimiento. Con el fin de proveer efectivamente cuidado a este grupo de pacientes, es importante entender el papel de las terapias CAM en los tratamientos de esta población.

scholarly journals Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Utilization among Adults with Arthritis in the United States

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Monira Alwhaibi ◽  
Yazed AlRuthia ◽  
Abdulkarim M. Meraya
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Functional Limitation ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Utilization Rate ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
The Past ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Objective. To examine the association between sex and the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among adults with arthritis. Methods. Data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey on CAM use for adults with arthritis were analyzed. Five different multivariable regression models were used to examine the association between sex and CAM use after adjusting for demographics, socioeconomics, perceived health status, functional limitations, comorbid chronic conditions, body mass index, and personal health practices. Results. The number of subjects who met the eligibility criteria and were eventually included in the study was 7,919 adults with arthritis. Around half of the study sample reported ever using CAM (n = 4,055), and about 27% (n = 2,016) reported using CAM in the past 12 months. Women have a significantly higher rate of ever utilization of CAM compared to their male counterparts (62.2% vs. 37.8%) as well as CAM use over the past 12 months (66.1% vs. 33.9%). After controlling for other covariates that can potentially affect the use of CAM, women had higher odds of ever using CAM (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.55–1.81) as well as the CAM use in the past 12 months (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.49–1.78) compared to men. Functional limitation and multiple comorbidities were associated with CAM use among women. Conclusions. The utilization rate of CAM among women with arthritis is significantly higher compared to their male counterparts, which highlights the need to screen adults with arthritis, particularly women, for potential drug-CAM interactions. Also, practicing patient-centered care is important, which should allow the patients to discuss the potential benefits and risks of CAM use with their healthcare providers.

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

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.

Complementary and alternative medicine in breast cancer patients

2003 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZEINA NAHLEH ◽  
IMAD A. TABBARA
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
The United States ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Objective: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is becoming increasingly popular among cancer patients, in particular those with breast cancer. It represents one of the fastest growing treatment modalities in the United States. Therefore, knowledge of CAM therapies is becoming necessary for physicians and other health care providers. CAM encompasses a wide range of modalities including special diet and nutrition, mind–body approaches, and traditional Chinese medicine.Methods:We reviewed the biomedical literature on CAM use in breast cancer patients, using Medline search from 1975 until 2002. In addition, consensus reports and books on CAM and breast cancer were included in the review. We evaluated the prevalence of CAM use in breast cancer patients, the reasons cited for its use, the different available modalities, and the reported outcomes.Results:Use of CAM in breast cancer patients ranges between 48% and 70% in the United States. The most commonly used CAM modalities include dietary supplements, mind–body approaches, and acupuncture. The reasons cited for using CAM were to boost the immune system, improve the quality of life, prevent recurrence of cancer, provide control over life, and treat breast cancer and the side effects of treatment. Several studies reported favorable results including improved survival, better pain control, reduced anxiety, improvement in coping strategies and significant efficacy in treating nausea and vomiting. Other less well-organized trials have reported either no benefit or negative effect of CAM and potential toxicity of some commercial products.Significance of results: CAM is a growing field in health care and particularly among breast cancer patients. Knowledge of CAM by physicians, especially oncologists, is necessary. Oncologists should be willing to discuss the role of CAM with their patients and encourage patients to participate in well-organized research about CAM.

Laboratory tests commonly used in complementary and alternative medicine: a review of the evidence

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 310-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart L Jones ◽  
Bruce Campbell ◽  
Tanya Hart
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
The United States ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

It is increasingly easy for the general public to access a wide range of laboratory tests. Tests can be ordered online with little or no input from a health professional. The complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) community promote and sell a wide range of tests, many of which are of dubious clinical significance. Many have little or no clinical utility and have been widely discredited, whilst others are established tests that are used for unvalidated purposes. They range from the highly complex, employing state of the art technology, e.g. heavy metal analysis using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, to the rudimentary, e.g. live blood cell analysis. Results of ‘CAM tests’ are often accompanied by extensive clinical interpretations which may recommend, or be used to justify, unnecessary or harmful treatments. There are now a small number of laboratories across the globe that specialize in CAM testing. Some CAM laboratories operate completely outside of any accreditation programme whilst others are fully accredited to the standard of established clinical laboratories. In this review, we explore CAM testing in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia with a focus on the common tests on offer, how they are reported, the evidence base for their clinical application and the regulations governing their use. We will also review proposed changed to in-vitro diagnostic device regulations and how these might impact on CAM testing.

scholarly journals The use of complementary and alternative medicine by adults with allergies: a Czech national representative survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitka Pokladnikova ◽  
A-La Park ◽  
Jan Draessler ◽  
Anna Lukacisinova ◽  
Irena Krcmova
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Relaxation Techniques ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Abstract Background The prevalence rates of the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in allergy patients range from 42% in the United States up to 50% in Europe. In the Czech Republic, no such data exists. Our aim was to examine patterns in CAM use in populations with self-reported allergies in the Czech Republic. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted. A sample of citizens aged 15 years and older, sex, age, and region-stratified, was randomly selected from the 2014 voter registration lists (n = 8,395,132). Respondents with self-reported allergies were further analyzed. Results Overall, 93% of the respondents with self-reported allergies reported the use of 1 or more CAM modalities during the past 30 days. Herbal teas, relaxation techniques, a detoxifying diet, dietary supplements (excluding vitamins and minerals), and reflexology were used in respondents with allergies. Females, under age 30, with higher education, higher income, and self-reported poor health, were significantly associated with the use of CAM among respondents with allergies. Conclusions The prevalence of CAM use among people with self-reported allergies in the Czech Republic is higher compared to other countries, with determinants of CAM varying across specific CAM categories. More attention to existing use is needed to promote the healthy adoption of CAM by raising awareness of its safe and effective use, both for CAM users as well as for health care providers.

scholarly journals Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Children with Sickle Cell Disease: Prevalence and Factors Associated with Use

2020 ◽  
Vol 06 (02) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Mohammed Alsabri ◽  
◽  
Kusum Viswanathan ◽  
Fiorella Castillo ◽  
Paridhi Ghai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
The United States ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common hematologic disorders in the world. In the United States, it is the single most common genetic hematologic disorder. The burden of SCD and its complications on pediatric patients is tremendous, especially acute vaso-occlusive pain crises. Although allopathic medicine has provided numerous pain medications to treat this, they do not come without side effects and are not always effective. This review explores complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods of pain management available for pediatric SCD patients. A PubMed literature search was conducted, and the reference lists of shortlisted studies and review articles were screened after application of the exclusion criteria; 14 articles were used in this literature analysis. A wide range of CAM therapies exist. Common ones include praying, spirituality, and massage. Factors associated with CAM use are parental use of CAM, gender, SCD/pain severity, patient’s age, caregiver’s education level, and in some cases, financial means to access CAM methods. CAM has shown to be effective in reducing pain, patients’ depression and anxiety, analgesic use, and in increasing daily functioning. Thus, CAM has demonstrated potential in reducing pain and improving the quality of life of pediatric SCD patients. It holds great promise to be regularly encouraged by providers and employed by patients. Further research is needed on a larger scale to better study its efficacy; however, CAM use has repeatedly been associated with improved functioning and pain control.

scholarly journals Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Young Patients with Breast Cancer

Breast Care ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Friederike Hammersen ◽  
Telja Pursche ◽  
Dorothea Fischer ◽  
Alexander Katalinic ◽  
Annika Waldmann
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has received increasing attention in Western countries and is especially common among breast cancer (BC) patients. So far, its effectiveness has not been well studied, which is in part due to the contextuality of CAM along with a lack of information of why patients use it. Objectives: Young BC patients constitute a special patient group regarding clinical characteristics, QOL, and their role in society. Since little is known about their CAM use, this study aimed at exploring it as well as their reasons for CAM use. Methods: Data on CAM and sociodemographics were collected via questionnaire in the context of a rehabilitation program for young mothers with BC. Initial BC diagnoses were between 2009 and 2014 (recruitment period 2012–2015). Clinical characteristics were derived from the patient files. Descriptive statistics were used to describe frequencies and statistically significant differences were tested. Results: Among the 827 patients, with an average age of 39.6 years, 62.5% had used CAM with regard to their cancer. CAM use was significantly higher in women with higher educational level, higher employment status, and statutory health insurance, respectively. The average monthly expenses on CAM were EUR 50. Every 5th woman used CAM without her physician’s knowledge. The types most often used were dietary supplements with vitamins or minerals. The most frequent reasons for CAM use were to strengthen the immune system, support conventional medicine, and combat side effects. Conclusions: CAM plays an important role for young BC patients with regard to prevalence and monthly expenses, and was used for a wide range of reasons. Certain subgroups with more frequent CAM use could be identified. Physicians should therefore proactively talk about CAM with their young BC patients, so that patients do not need to rely on information sources on CAM outside the medical system.

scholarly journals The Influence of Spirituality and Religiosity on US Oncologists’ Personal Use of and Clinical Practices Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 153473542094576
Author(s):  
Catherine Powers-James ◽  
Adriana Alvarez ◽  
Kathrin Milbury ◽  
Andrea Barbo ◽  
Katherine Daunov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
The United States ◽  
Religious Service Attendance ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Religious Services ◽  
Personal Use ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Religiosity And Spirituality ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background: Cancer patients frequently use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and spirituality has been associated with CAM use among patients. We evaluated how oncologists’ spirituality and religiosity are associated with personal use and patient recommendations for CAM. Methods: A survey was mailed to 1000 medical oncologists in the United States. The questionnaire asked about oncologists’ approaches to CAM use by patients, focusing on the use of herbs and supplement (HS), and about religiosity and spirituality. Results: Of 937 deliverable questionnaires, 392 were returned (response rate 42%). Respondents were mostly men (71%) and Caucasian (76%), with a median age of 48. Approximately 16% reported no religion, 19% Jewish, 24% Catholic, 28% Christian, and 13% other religions. Eighteen percent reported attending religious services at least once a week, including 15% who attend several times per week. Twenty-eight percent reported high theological pluralism (skepticism regarding whether one religion is comprehensively and uniquely true); 58% described themselves as moderately or very spiritual. Self-reported spirituality and religious service attendance were associated with using CAM personally and recommending HS to patients. In multivariate analyses, moderate-high spirituality and attending religious services less than monthly was positively associated with personal use of CAM: odds ratio (OR) = 3.10 (confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-6.5) and OR = 3.04 (CI = 1.5-6.6), respectively. Physicians with moderate to high spirituality were more likely to report recommending CAM in general (OR = 3.07, CI = 1.3-7.1), but less likely to report recommending HS (OR = 0.33, CI = 0.14-0.75). Conclusion: Self-reported spirituality is a significant factor among US oncologists’ decision to use CAM and recommend CAM to patients.

A comprehensive approach to complementary and alternative medicine usage among patients from a vascular department

Vascular ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 170853812110065
Author(s):  
Cesar Cuen-Ojeda ◽  
Carlos A Hinojosa ◽  
Irazú Contreras-Yáñez ◽  
Erika Elenes-Sánchez ◽  
Casandra Rosas-Ríos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
P Value ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Vascular Surgeon ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Introduction Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies had been described in patients with disabling, chronic and painful conditions; these characteristics define the majority of vascular surgery (VS) entities. A lack of disclosure about CAM use from patients has been universally cited and may impact effective patient–doctor communication. Our primary objective was to describe CAM use, modalities, perceived benefits, safety, and associated factors among adult patients attending a VS outpatient clinic; we additionally explored patient’s attitudes about CAM disclosure with their primary vascular surgeon. Methods This cross-sectional study invited 223 consecutive outpatients to an interview where the ICAM-Q (International Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire) and the PDRQ-9 (Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire-9 items) were applied. In addition, sociodemographics, vascular disease and treatment-related information, comorbidity, and disease severity characteristics were obtained. Appropriated statistics was used; multiple logistic regression analysis identified factors associated to CAM use. All statistical tests were two-sided, and a p value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. IRB approval was obtained. Results Patients recruited were primary females (69%) and had a median age of 65 years (54–75). Most frequent vascular diagnoses were chronic venous insufficiency (36.2%) and peripheral artery disease (26%). There were 104 (46.6%) patients who referred CAM use, primarily self-helped practices (96%), and use of herbal, vitamins, or homeopathic medicines (23.7%). Overall, the majority of the patients perceived CAM modalities helpful and 94.6% denied any adverse event. Female sex (OR: 1.768, 95% CI: 0.997–3.135, p = 0.051) and hospitalization during the previous year (OR: 3.173, 95% CI: 1.492–6.748, p = 0.003) were associated to CAM use. The majority of the patients (77%) agreed about CAM disclosure with their primary vascular surgeon; meanwhile, among CAM users, up to 54.9% did not disclose it, and their main reasons were “Doctor didn’t ask” (32%) and “I consider it unnecessary” (16%). The patient–doctor relationship was rated by the patients with high scores. Conclusions CAM use is frequent and perceived as safe and beneficial among VS outpatients; nonetheless, patients do not disclose CAM use with their primary vascular surgeons, and a wide range of reasons are given by the patients that prevent effective and open communication.

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