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Proudfoot A, Duffy S, Sinclair J, Abbott J, Armour M. A survey of cost, access and outcomes for cannabinoid-based medicinal product use by Australians with endometriosis. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2024. [PMID: 38415783 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
People with endometriosis use cannabis to manage their symptoms. This study aimed to identify costs, modes of administration, product composition, and self-reported effectiveness for those accessing medicinal cannabis in Australia. There were 192 survey responses analysed. Most (63.5%) used a 'cannabis clinic' doctor, incurring an initial consultation cost of $100-$200+ (10.2% Medicare bulk-billed) and median cannabinoid medicine costs of $300AUD per month. Cost was a major barrier to access, necessitating reducing dosage (76.1%) and/or consuming illicit cannabis (42.9%), despite a prescription. Most (77%) medical consumers used two or more cannabis products, with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol predominant oil and flower products most frequently prescribed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Proudfoot
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Duffy
- School of Business, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Justin Sinclair
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Abbott
- School of Clinical Medicine, Health and Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Evaluation (GRACE) Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mike Armour
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), Wellington, New Zealand
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Jeffrey S, Ashton L, Ferfolja T, Armour M. Transgender and gender diverse people with endometriosis: A perspective on affirming gynaecological care. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241251974. [PMID: 38742674 PMCID: PMC11095187 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241251974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse people presumed female at birth experience gynaecological conditions, such as chronic pelvic pain at elevated rates, estimated to impact between 51% and 72% of this population, compared to rates of up to 26.6% in cisgender women. The negative impact of these conditions is likely amplified due to limited access to safe and affirming healthcare. Despite this high prevalence rate, there is limited research investigating the prevalence, presentation or management options for trans and gender diverse people with endometriosis. Cisgender women with endometriosis report barriers to accessing care, with lengthy times to diagnosis and limited treatment options available. However, barriers for trans and gender diverse individuals are enhanced by physician bias and lack of education in gender-affirming care. This is reflected in stories of discrimination and denial of basic healthcare. A healthcare environment built on the presumption that gynaecological patients are women, others trans and gender diverse patients, which can result in avoidance of needed medical care. A lack of knowledge of gender-affirming care alongside healthcare provider bias highlights a need for gender-affirming care and bias reduction training in undergraduate healthcare provider curricula. Research to date assessing current curriculum in Australia and Aotearoa (New Zealand) shows limited inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and other related identities content as a whole with gender-affirming care being among the least-frequently addressed topics. This review will detail barriers to accessing gender-affirming healthcare specific to gynaecology, interweaving the experiences of a non-binary individual seeking access to gender-affirming endometriosis care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Jeffrey
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Tania Ferfolja
- School of Education, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Mike Armour
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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Giese N, Kwon KK, Armour M. Acupuncture for endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Integr Med Res 2023; 12:101003. [PMID: 38033648 PMCID: PMC10682677 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2023.101003] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Current endometriosis treatments do not always provide symptom relief, with many using complementary approaches. This study examined the effectiveness of acupuncture on pain and quality of life in people with endometriosis. Methods Searches were conducted on Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED) and Embase (Ovid), Epistemonikos, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; EBSCOhost) on 20 March 2023. Trials were included if they used penetrating acupuncture. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane RoB2 and GRADE for overall evidence certainty. Random-effects meta-analyses were undertaken, using Hedges' g or mean difference (MD) both with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Results Six studies involving a total of 331 participants were included. Evidence for benefit was found for acupuncture compared to non-specific acupuncture on overall pelvic pain (g = 1.54, 95 % CI 0.92 to 2.16, 3 RCTs, n = 231, low certainty evidence, p<0.001), menstrual pain (g = 1.67, 95 % CI 1.23 to 2.12, 1 RCT, n = 106, moderate certainty evidence, p<0.001), and non-specified pelvic pain (MD -2.77, 95 % CI 2.15 to 3.38, 2 RCTs, n = 125, low certainty evidence, p<0.001), and compared to usual care on menstrual pain (g = 0.9, 95 % CI 0.15 to 1.64, 1 RCT, n = 19, very low certainty evidence, p = 0.02). Most studies reported low rates of adverse events. Conclusion Acupuncture treatment for endometriosis demonstrated clinically relevant improvements in pelvic pain and should be considered as a potential treatment intervention. Study registration PROSPERO ID: CRD42023408700.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Giese
- Praxis für Chinesische Medizin, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ki Kyung Kwon
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Mike Armour
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), Wellington, New Zealand
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Hu J, Xiao Y, Jiang G, Hu X. Research Trends of Acupuncture Therapy on Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome from 2000 to 2022: A Bibliometric Analysis. J Pain Res 2023; 16:4049-4069. [PMID: 38054110 PMCID: PMC10695139 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s434333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acupuncture is considered an important means of analgesic, which has been widely used in chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) management and treatment in recent years, published a large number of related documents. However, the relevant literature in this field has not been summarized and quantitatively analyzed. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the hotspots and predicting future research trends of acupuncture on pelvic pain syndrome. Methods Search for the relevant publications of the web of science database from 2000 to 2022 about the treatment of acupuncture on chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The Citespace software and VosViewer software are used to analyze the visualization of the countries, institutions, authors, keywords and references and references in the literature. Results A total of 173 publications were included. The annual number of essays gradually showed an overall growth trend over time. Medicine magazine is the most published journal in this field. J UROLOGY and Acupunct Med are the most cited journals and the most influential magazines; The most active and influential country is China, and the most produced institutions are Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; The most produced authors are Liu Zhishun. The most cited and most influential authors are Nickel JC and Armour M; keywords and cited reference analysis show that the quality of life, mechanism research, alternative medicine and electro-acupuncture will be the scientific hotspot of acupuncture treatment for chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Conclusion This study shows that acupuncture on CPPS is increasingly valued and recognized. The future research hotspots will focus on the effects and mechanisms. In the future, more high-quality animal basic research will be required to explore the exact mechanism of acupuncture on CPPS. In addition, different parameters of acupuncture such as electric-acupuncture, stimulating frequency, duration and strength are also the focus of future research. More clinical trials are required to verify its safety and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Hu
- School of Graduate and Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyi Xiao
- School of Graduate and Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guilin Jiang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaorong Hu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang City, People’s Republic of China
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Sinclair J, Abbott J, Mikocka-Walus A, Ng C, Sarris J, Evans S, Armour M. "A glimmer of hope" - Perceptions, barriers, and drivers for medicinal cannabis use amongst Australian and New Zealand people with endometriosis. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2023; 4:RAF-23-0049. [PMID: 37855429 PMCID: PMC10692678 DOI: 10.1530/raf-23-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous quantitative research has shown that cannabis use, mostly illicit, is used for symptom management amongst those with endometriosis living in Australia or New Zealand, but the drivers and barriers for use of legal, medicinal cannabis in this population are currently unclear. This study sought to investigate, via online focus-groups, the perceptions, barriers, drivers, and experiences associated with cannabis use, whether legal or illicit, amongst 37 Australians and New Zealanders, aged 18-55, with a medical diagnosis of endometriosis. Previous cannabis usage was not required to participate. Discussion topics included strategies employed to manage symptoms, exploration of current medications, previous use of cannabis for pain management, and interest in using medicinal cannabis as a management strategy. Participants with moderate to severe symptoms of medically diagnosed endometriosis reported inadequacies with their current medical and self-management strategies and were inclined to try medicinal cannabis, both as part of their medical management and as part of a clinical trial. Barriers to medicinal cannabis adoption identified in this cohort included high costs of legal cannabis products, lack of clarity and fairness in current roadside drug testing laws and workplace drug testing policies, concern over the impact of stigma affecting familial, social and workplace life domains, and subsequent judgement and the lack of education/engagement from their medical providers regarding cannabis use. Given the interest in medicinal cannabis and the reported lack of effective symptom management, clinical trials are urgently required to determine the potential role that medicinal cannabis may play in reducing the symptoms of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Sinclair
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jason Abbott
- School of Clinical Medicine, Medicine and Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Research (GRACE) Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, UNSW, Sydney NSW Australia
| | | | - Cecilia Ng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Medicine and Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Research (GRACE) Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, UNSW, Sydney NSW Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jerome Sarris
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Subhadra Evans
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mike Armour
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), Wellington, New Zealand
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Redmond R, Steel A, Wardle J, Adams J. Naturopathic knowledge and approaches to managing endometriosis: a cross-sectional survey of naturopaths with experience in endometriosis care. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 20:153-164. [PMID: 36087288 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2022-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological disease with varying symptomatology and negative health outcomes. To ensure the best care for women with endometriosis, women require a multidisciplinary team approach. While some women consult with naturopaths for endometriosis, there has been little research on naturopathic knowledge and the naturopathic approach to endometriosis care. METHODS This cross-sectional survey recruited naturopaths with experience in menstrual disorders from the Practitioner Research and Collaboration Initiative (PRACI) a Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN). Data collection was conducted via an online self-administrated 62-item questionnaire. RESULTS Invitations were sent to 109 naturopaths who self-reported having experience in menstrual disorders, of whom 29 completed the survey (26.6% response rate). Naturopaths perceived endometriosis to be caused by inflammation (n=28, 96.5%) and risk factors associated with familial history (n=26, 89.6%). Many naturopaths aimed at reducing inflammation (n=27, 93.1%) and supporting gastrointestinal function (n=25, 86.2%) in their prescriptions. Naturopaths reported using various healthcare referrals to support women with endometriosis, primarily general practitioners (n=12, 41.3%), acupuncturists/Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners (n=11, 37.9%), and gynaecologists (n=9, 31%). Naturopaths reported receiving referrals from general practitioners (n=8, 27.5%) and psychologists (n=6, 20.6%). CONCLUSIONS Naturopathic knowledge and management of endometriosis targets known problematic areas of endometriosis that can have debilitating effects on women's quality of life. Naturopathic care has the potential to align with important health outcomes for women with endometriosis however, further attention is needed to assess the effectiveness and continue to establish a multidisciplinary approach involving naturopathic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Redmond
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, East Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Amie Steel
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Jon Wardle
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, East Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Jon Adams
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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Darbà J, Marsà A. Economic Implications of Endometriosis: A Review. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2022; 40:1143-1158. [PMID: 36344867 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-022-01211-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can have serious physical and emotional consequences for patients in terms of pain, quality of life, and infertility. Despite affecting about 10% of women, the pathophysiology and economic impact of the disease are not fully understood. This study aimed to review and summarize research articles quantifying the direct and indirect costs of endometriosis in the context of current national and international treatment guidelines. A search including the terms 'endometriosis' AND 'costs' OR 'cost of illness' OR 'cost analysis' OR 'economic burden' was performed, focusing on studies published between January 2000 and May 2022. Total costs, costs of primary and secondary care, productivity losses, and indirect costs were reported. The medical costs of endometriosis were principally registered in secondary care settings, where surgery was the main cost driver. There was considerable variability of populations and study settings, with the overall direct medical cost range of endometriosis from US$1459 to US$20,239 (2022) per patient per year. An increasing trend has been reported in secondary care costs over time; however, not enough data were available at this time to evaluate inpatient and outpatient costs versus treatment strategies. Similarly, further research is required to evaluate the costs and potential savings associated with new therapies. Numerous studies have evaluated the indirect costs of endometriosis in recent years, finding costs between US$4572 and US$14,079 (2022). Currently, limited data are available on the economic burden of the disease at the patient level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Darbà
- Department of Economics, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 696, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Alicia Marsà
- Department of Health Economics, BCN Health Economics & Outcomes Research S.L., Travessera de Gràcia, 62, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
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