1
|
Barnes LAJ, Rolfe MI, Barclay L, McCaffery K, Aslani P. Demographics, health literacy and health locus of control beliefs of Australian women who take complementary medicine products during pregnancy and breastfeeding: A cross-sectional, online, national survey. Health Expect 2021; 25:667-683. [PMID: 34951097 PMCID: PMC8957740 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnant and breastfeeding women's use of complementary medicine products (CMPs) is common, and possibly associated with autonomous health care behaviours. However, the health literacy levels and health locus of control (HLOC) beliefs of women who use CMPs in pregnancy and lactation have not been previously assessed in a large Australian sample. Aim The aim of this study is to determine the health literacy levels and HLOC beliefs of women who use CMPs in pregnancy and lactation and determine the types of CMPs used. Methods A cross‐sectional, national, online survey of Australian pregnant or breastfeeding women aged 18 years and older, and currently using CMPs was conducted. Results A total of 810 completed surveys (354 pregnant and 456 breastfeeding women) were analysed. Most had adequate functional health literacy levels (93.3%). Health care practitioners (HCPs) HLOC mean scores were the highest for the sample, followed by Internal HLOC beliefs mean scores. Almost all (n = 809) took at least one dietary supplement, the most popular being pregnancy and breastfeeding multivitamins, iron supplements and probiotics. Use was generally in line with clinical recommendations, except for low rates of iodine supplementation. Herbal medicine use was lower for the total sample (57.3%, n = 464), but significantly higher (p < .0001) for the breastfeeding cohort, with consumers taking one to four herbal medicines each. The most popular herbs were raspberry leaf, ginger, peppermint and chamomile (pregnant respondents) and chamomile, ginger and fenugreek (breastfeeding respondents). Conclusions Respondents were health literate, with high scores for Internal and HCP HLOC scales, suggesting that they are likely to demonstrate self‐efficacy, positive health behaviours and work well in partnership with HCPs. HCPs can facilitate discussions with pregnant and breastfeeding women using CMPs, while considering women's health literacy levels, health beliefs and goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larisa A J Barnes
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy and University Centre for Rural Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Centre for Rural Health and School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margaret I Rolfe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Centre for Rural Health and School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lesley Barclay
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Centre for Rural Health and School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Parisa Aslani
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lloyd I, Gerontakos S, Cardozo V. Naturopathic community clinics: an international cross-sectional survey. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:815. [PMID: 34391427 PMCID: PMC8364026 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06806-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, naturopathic practitioners offer services in 98 countries, reaching every world region and providing care to diverse populations for a range of acute and chronic health conditions. Community clinics provide free or low-cost healthcare services and play a key role in providing necessary primary healthcare for underprivileged or marginalized populations. However, the reach and impact of naturopathic community clinics (NCCs) has not yet been examined. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of NCCs around the world, determine the types of services they offer and provide insight into the populations being served. METHODS Two online cross-sectional surveys were administered using purposive and snowball sampling. A 6-item screening survey was administered first to identify clinics and institutions who fit the criteria for NCC services, followed by a 40-item follow-up survey. Descriptive analysis was conducted using frequencies and means. RESULTS The screening survey returned a total of 37 responses from six world regions. Of those respondents who indicated involvement in NCCs, 74% went on to complete the follow-up survey. The majority of the responding NCCs were located in North America (50%), followed by Western Pacific (17%), Europe (10%), Asia (13%), Latin America (7%) and Africa (3%). The vast majority (71%) of the NCCs that have been in operation for more than 10 years are located in North America, while 43% of the NCCs that have been operational less than 5 years are in the Western Pacific Region. 80% of the responding NCCs were affiliated with a naturopathic school. The majority of respondents (76%) mentioned that they aim to serve underserved and/or marginalized populations, with 34% indicating that their target population is low-income families, 21% focusing on serving immigrants and refugees, 21% on serving people experiencing homelessness, 14% on serving Indigenous peoples, 14% on serving those with specific gender differences, 10% on serving seniors and 10% on serving drug users. CONCLUSION The naturopathic profession offers free or significantly low-cost naturopathic services through community clinics around the world. The findings of this survey provide insight into the important role of the naturopathic profession in primary health care and provide rationale for exploring this topic in greater detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iva Lloyd
- World Naturopathic Federation, 20 Holly Street, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sophia Gerontakos
- NCNM, Southern Cross University, Military Rd, Lismore, NSW, Australia.
| | - Valentina Cardozo
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, 1255 Sheppard Ave East, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barnes LAJ, Barclay L, McCaffery K, Aslani P. Women's health literacy and the complex decision-making process to use complementary medicine products in pregnancy and lactation. Health Expect 2019; 22:1013-1027. [PMID: 31116500 PMCID: PMC6803395 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about women's decision-making processes regarding using complementary medicine products (CMPs) during pregnancy or lactation. OBJECTIVES To explore the decision-making processes of women choosing to use CMPs in pregnancy and lactation; and to investigate how women's health literacy influences their decisions. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with twenty-five pregnant and/or breastfeeding women. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Key to women's decision making was the desire to establish a CMPs safety and to receive information from a trustworthy source, preferably their most trusted health-care practitioner. Women wanted positive therapeutic relationships with health-care practitioners and to be highly involved in the decisions they made for the health of themselves and their children. Two overarching components of the decision-making process were identified: (a) women's information needs and (b) a preference for CMP use. Women collated and assessed information from other health-care practitioners, other mothers and published research during their decision-making processes. They showed a strong preference for CMP use to support their pregnancy and breastfeeding health, and that of their unborn and breastfeeding babies. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Complex decision-making processes to use CMPs in pregnancy and lactation were identified. The participants showed high levels of communicative and critical health literacy skills in their decision-making processes. These skills supported women's complex decision-making processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larisa A. J. Barnes
- School of PharmacyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- University Centre for Rural HealthThe University of SydneyLismoreNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Lesley Barclay
- University Centre for Rural HealthThe University of SydneyLismoreNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Public HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- School of Public HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Parisa Aslani
- School of PharmacyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nelson DH, Perchaluk JM, Logan AC, Katzman MA. The Bell Tolls for Homeopathy: Time for Change in the Training and Practice of North American Naturopathic Physicians. J Evid Based Integr Med 2019; 24:2515690X18823696. [PMID: 30789055 PMCID: PMC6343431 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x18823696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
North American naturopathic medicine is a distinct form of practice that is woven into the larger fabric of integrative medicine; in a number of US states and Canadian provinces, naturopathic doctors enjoy a wide scope of practice, including the ability to make diagnoses, order tests, use medical technology, write prescription drugs, and perform minor surgeries. However, the basic premise of naturopathic medicine and its guiding principles-considering the whole person and supporting healthy lifestyle behaviors-is the unifying approach in clinical practice. In the 1970s, homeopathy-considered in many circles to be a hypothesis-driven, fringe form of alternative medicine-became embedded into the training and practice of North American naturopathic doctors. Since the earliest days of its theory (circa 1800), homeopathy has escaped, and continues to escape, biological plausibility; however, the persistence of this modality (and the insistence by both its consumers and practitioners that it provides benefit) speaks to the role of expectations, beliefs, values, agency, context effects, and the placebo-at-large. It is our contention that the progression of professional naturopathic medicine in the 21st century requires a major transition in how it approaches the subject of homeopathy. We propose that students should be encouraged to critically analyze the tenets of homeopathy, its lesser known history, and the idea of homeopathy as a biomedicine that simply awaits untold chemicophysical mechanisms. Furthermore, the modality of homeopathy should be incorporated into the larger context of placebo studies, narrative medicine, ethics, and psychotherapeutic techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David H Nelson
- 1 Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Alan C Logan
- 3 inVIVO Planetary Health, Research Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ, USA
| | - Martin A Katzman
- 4 The Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cianconi P, Lesmana CBJ, Ventriglio A, Janiri L. Mental health issues among indigenous communities and the role of traditional medicine. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2019; 65:289-299. [PMID: 30977417 DOI: 10.1177/0020764019840060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental health in indigenous communities is a relevant issue for the World Health Organization (WHO). These communities are supposed to live in a pure, clean and intact environment. Their real condition is far different from the imaginary; they are vulnerable populations living in difficult areas, exposed to pollution, located far from the health services, exposed to several market operations conducted to extract natural resources, facing criminal groups or illegal exploitation of land resources. These factors may have an impact on mental health of indigenous population. METHODS We reviewed all papers available on PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library until December 2018. We focused on those factors affecting the changes from a traditional to a post-modern society and reviewed data available on stress-related issues, mental distress affecting indigenous/aboriginal communities and the role of Traditional Medicine (TM). We reviewed articles from different countries hosting indigenous communities. RESULTS The incidence of mental distress and related phenomena (e.g. collective suicide, alcoholism and violence) among indigenous populations is affected by political and socio-economic variables. The mental health of these populations is poorly studied and described even if mental illness indicators are somewhat alarming. TM still seems to have a role in supporting affected people and may reduce deficiencies due to poor access to medical insurance/coverage, psychiatry and psychotherapy. It would be helpful to combine TM and modern medicine in a healthcare model to face indigenous populations' health needs. CONCLUSION This review confirms the impact of societal changes, environmental threats and exploitation of natural resources on the mental health of indigenous populations. Global Mental Health needs to deal with the health needs of indigenous populations as well as psychiatry needs to develop new categories to describe psychopathology related to social variance as recently proposed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Ventriglio
- 3 Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Prescott SL, Logan AC. Planetary Health: From the Wellspring of Holistic Medicine to Personal and Public Health Imperative. Explore (NY) 2019; 15:98-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
7
|
Logan AC, Goldenberg JZ, Guiltinan J, Seely D, Katz DL. North American naturopathic medicine in the 21st century: Time for a seventh guiding principle - Scientia Critica. Explore (NY) 2018; 14:367-372. [PMID: 30217641 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization strategy for global health includes a culturally-sensitive blending of western biomedicine with traditional forms of healing; in practical terms this approach is often referred to as integrative medicine. One distinct element within the systems of North American integrative healthcare is naturopathic medicine; while the basic premise of its fundamental approach to care - supporting healthy lifestyle behaviors - is as old as medicine itself, the early history of organized naturopathy in North America was heavy in theory and light on critical analysis. Dozens of questionable modalities and protocols have been housed under the rubric of naturopathy. It is our contention that the progression of professional naturopathic medicine in the 21st century - with goals of personal, public and planetary health - requires the active pursuit of critical analysis. We examine the primary guiding principles which drive the training and practice of North American naturopathic medicine; while these principles are laudable in the age of patient-centered care, we argue that there are shortcomings by absentia. We propose a seventh principle - Scientia Critica; that is, the ability to critically analyze accumulated knowledge - including scientific facts, knowledge about the self (critical consciousness) and values of the patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan C Logan
- inVIVO Planetary Health, Research Group of the World Universities Network, 6010 Park Ave, Suite #4081, West New York, NJ 07093, USA.
| | - Joshua Z Goldenberg
- Bastyr University Research Institute, School of Naturopathic Medicine, 14500 Juanita Drive N.E., Kenmore, WA 98028, USA.
| | - Jane Guiltinan
- Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Drive N.E., Kenmore, WA 98028, USA.
| | - Dugald Seely
- Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre, 29 Bayswater Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2E5, Canada.
| | - David L Katz
- Yale University, Prevention Research Center, Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St, Derby, CT 06418, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Foley H, Steel A. Patient perceptions of clinical care in complementary medicine: A systematic review of the consultation experience. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2017; 100:212-223. [PMID: 27693375 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2016.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aims to describe the prevalence of empathy, empowerment and patient-centred clinical care experienced by patients in complementary medicine (CM) consultations. METHODS A systematic review was undertaken of original research exploring patient perceptions of CM clinical care. Ten databases were searched: Alt HealthWatch, AMED, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Proquest Medical Collection, PsycInfo, Social Sciences Citation Index and Psychology Collection. Studies were included which reported patient perceptions of consultation with CM practitioners and were excluded where experimental methods controlled the nature of consultation processes. RESULTS Findings of included studies (n=34) were categorised under the a priori themes of empathy, empowerment and patient-centred care. This produced a substantial pool of qualitative data detailing patient-reported experiences which consistently confirmed occurrence of these themes in CM consultation. Quantitative data was correlative, yet was insufficient to definitively describe prevalence of such experiences. CONCLUSION While it is evident that CM consultations provide a patient experience of empathy, empowerment and patient-centredness, further research is warranted to quantify this experience before it can be defined as characteristic of CM clinical care. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This review draws attention to the potential role of CM as a resource for patients' psychosocial health needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hope Foley
- Endeavour College of Natural Health, 2/269 Wickham St., Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006, Australia.
| | - Amie Steel
- Endeavour College of Natural Health, 2/269 Wickham St., Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kennedy DA, Bernhardt B, Snyder T, Bancu V, Cooley K. Complementary medical health services: a cross sectional descriptive analysis of a Canadian naturopathic teaching clinic. Altern Ther Health Med 2015; 15:37. [PMID: 25880763 PMCID: PMC4362820 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0550-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Historically, alongside regulatory and jurisdictional differences in scope of practices, practice patterns of naturopathic doctors (NDs) have varied widely to promote holistic or whole-person treatment using a variety of therapies including: controlled substances, minor surgery, a variety of complementary therapies, as well as both novel and conventional assessments. However, little is known about the observed practice patterns of NDs, the services provided to their patients, or the type of conditions for which patients of NDs are seeking treatment. In order to address this gap, a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of the largest Canadian teaching clinic for NDs was undertaken to better understand the services provided to the community and increase the knowledge regarding the use of naturopathic medicine. Methods Data stemmed from two sources at the Toronto, Ontario clinic: a passive patient satisfaction survey, and the clinic’s point-of-sale (POS) system. Data included patient demographics, postal codes, health services utilization, ICD-10 codes, therapies employed, along with other data relating to the financial transactions associated with the visit. Simple descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare different age-based groups and examine health services use between years. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Board of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Results 13,412 patients were treated in 76,386 patient visits spanning three clinic years. Median age of patients was 37; females outnumbered males (2.6:1) in all age-based groups except the pediatric population. In the patient satisfaction survey, there were 1552 potential survey respondents; with 118 responses received (response rate: 7.6%). Obtaining health education, health prevention and help with chronic health conditions were the primary motivators for patient visits identified in the patient survey. Conclusion The clinic attracts people from a wide area in the metropolitan Toronto and surrounding region with health concerns and diagnoses that are consistent with primary care, providing health education and addressing acute and chronic health conditions. Further explorations into health services delivery from the broader naturopathic or other complementary/alternative medical professions would provide greater context to these findings and expand understanding of the patients and type of care being provided by these health professionals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0550-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|