Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 174 in total

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  1. Fulltext A qualitative exploration of Malaysian doctors' perceptions towards complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) [Abstract]
    Farooqui M, Othman CN, Hassali AA, Saleem F, Ul Haq N, Sadeeqa S
    Value Health, 2014 Nov;17(7):A789.
    PMID: 27202944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.425
    Objectives: The study aims to assess doctors’ perceptions towards Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) in their medical practice, factors that affect the referral of CAM and suggestions to improve CAM in medical practice.
    Methods: A qualitative research approach was adopted to gain a better understanding of the current perceptions and practice held by doctors’ within their medical professions. In order to gain a wide perspective of the issue, eleven doctors were purposively selected who were working in academics, hospitals and in the community health clinics. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. A saturation point was reached after the 10th interview, and no new information emerged with the subsequent interviews. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by means of a standard content analysis framework.
    Results: The doctors expressed a range of views on CAM that can be divided into two major themes: doctors’ knowledge and understanding towards CAM and doctors’ viewpoint on CAM in their professional practice. A key factor which affected doctor’s perspectives on CAM was the lack of scientific evidences. The attitudes on CAM were basically shaped based on their personal CAM use rather than knowledge gained during an academic course. Lack of knowledge on CAM was also attributing to the doctors’ reluctance in CAM discussion with their patients. Though addition of CAM courses into the medical curriculum was proposed by some of the doctors; the practical implication was criticized as some found medical curriculum heavily packed with the biomedical courses.
    Conclusions: Majority of the doctors in this study were skeptical and uncertain about CAM due to lack of scientific evidence. Doctor-patient communication on CAM can only be improved when doctors’ knowledge on CAM can be improved by providing necessary training on CAM.
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  2. Fulltext Role of complementary and alternative medicine in geriatric care: A mini review
    Siddiqui MJ, Min CS, Verma RK, Jamshed SQ
    Pharmacogn Rev, 2014 Jul;8(16):81-7.
    PMID: 25125879 DOI: 10.4103/0973-7847.134230
    Since time immemorial homo sapiens are subjected to both health and diseases states and seek treatment for succor and assuagement in compromised health states. Since last two decades the progressive rise in the alternative form of treatment cannot be ignored and population seems to be dissatisfied with the conventional treatment modalities and therefore, resort to other forms of treatment, mainly complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The use of CAM is predominantly more popular in older adults and therefore, numerous research studies and clinical trials have been carried out to investigate the effectiveness of CAM in the management of both communicable and non-communicable disease. In this current mini review, we attempt to encompass the use of CAM in chronic non-communicable diseases that are most likely seen in geriatrics. The current review focuses not only on the reassurance of good health practices, emphasizing on the holistic development and strengthening the body's defense mechanisms, but also attempts to construct a pattern of self-care and patient empowerment in geriatrics. The issues of safety with CAM use cannot be sidelined and consultation with a health care professional is always advocated to the patient. Likewise, responsibility of the health care professional is to inform the patient about the safety and efficacy issues. In order to substantiate the efficacy and safety of CAMs, evidence-based studies and practices with consolidated standards should be planned and executed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  3. Shotgun proteomic analysis of tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerotis) and the isolation of a cytotoxic fungal serine protease from its sclerotium
    Yap HY, Fung SY, Ng ST, Tan CS, Tan NH
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2015 Nov 4;174:437-51.
    PMID: 26320692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.08.042
    The sclerotium of Lignosus rhinocerotis (Cooke) Ryvarden (tiger milk mushroom) has been traditionally used as a complementary and alternative medicine for cancer treatment by the local communities of Southeast Asia. Despite the continuous research interest in its antiproliferative activity, the identity of the bioactive compound(s) responsible has yet to be determined. This study aims to bridge the gap in existing research literature by using proteomics approach for investigation of the nature of the anticancer substance of L. rhinocerotis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  4. Fulltext Use and toxicity of complementary and alternative medicines among patients visiting emergency department: Systematic review
    Jatau AI, Aung MM, Kamauzaman TH, Chedi BA, Sha'aban A, Rahman AF
    J Intercult Ethnopharmacol, 2016 Mar 2;5(2):191-7.
    PMID: 27104042 DOI: 10.5455/jice.20160223105521
    Many studies have been conducted in health-care settings with regards to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients. However, information regarding CAM use among patients in the emergency department (ED) is scarce. The aim of this article was to conduct a systematic review of published studies with regards to CAM use among the ED patients. A literature search of published studies from inception to September 2015 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and manual search of the reference list. 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The prevalence rate of CAM use among ED patients across the studies ranged of 1.4-68.1%. Herbal therapy was the sub-modality of CAM most commonly used and frequently implicated in CAM-related ED visits. Higher education, age, female gender, religious affiliation, and chronic diseases were the most frequent factors associated with CAM use among the ED patients. Over 80% of the ED physicians did not ask the patients about the CAM therapy. Similarly, 80% of the ED patients were ready to disclose CAM therapy to the ED physician. The prevalence rate of CAM use among patients at ED is high and is growing with the current increasing popularity, and it has been a reason for some of the ED visits. There is a need for the health-care professionals to receive training and always ask patients about CAM therapy to enable them provide appropriate medical care and prevent CAM-related adverse events.
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  5. Fulltext Usage of traditional and complementary medicine (T & CM): Prevalence, practice and perception among post stroke patients attending conventional stroke rehabilitation in a teaching hospital in Malaysia
    Ali MF, Abdul Aziz AF, Rashid MR, Che Man Z, Amir AA, Lim YS, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2015 Feb;70(1):18-23.
    PMID: 26032524
    INTRODUCTION: The lack of evidence that proves the benefit of traditional and complementary medicines (T & CM) in treating chronic medical conditions does not deter its usage among patients worldwide. Prevalence of usage among post-stroke patients in Malaysia especially is unknown. This study aims to determine the prevalence, practice and perception of T & CM use among stroke survivors attending an outpatient rehabilitation program in a teaching hospital.
    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 post stroke patients attending an outpatient rehabilitation program. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients, as well as types of therapy used and perception on T & CM usage. Descriptive analysis was done, and bivariate analysis was used to determine associations between categorical data.
    RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 62 years (SD 12.2), 54% were Chinese and 75% of the patients had ischaemic stroke. Mean age of T & CM users was younger compared to non- T & CM users (61 years vs. 66 years, p=0.04). Two-thirds (66%) of patients admitted to concurrent T & CM usage while attending conventional post stroke rehabilitation. Acupuncture (40.4%), massage (40.4%) and traditional Chinese medicine (11.5%) were the most common T & CM used. Positive perception was recorded in terms of ability of T & CM usage to relieve post stroke symptoms (68%), and it was safe to use because it was made from 'natural sources'. Negative perception recorded: T & CM caused significant adverse effects (57.6%) and was not safe to be used in combination with other conventional medicines (62.5%).
    CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent T & CM usage among post-stroke patients attending structured outpatient rehabilitation program is widely practised especially acupuncture, massage and traditional Chinese medicines. Overall the perception towards its use is favourable.
    Study site: Medical Rehabilitation Services Department, Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  6. Fulltext 'Thermal reflex therapy' a danger for diabetic feet
    Yeap JS, Anbanandan S, Yeap JK, Borhan Tan M, Harwant S
    Med J Malaysia, 2001 Mar;56(1):102-3.
    PMID: 11503287
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  7. Fulltext Internalized stigma among urban tuberculosis patients in Selangor: the prediction
    Qudsiah Suliman, Salmiah Md. Said, Lim Poh Ying, Nor Afiah Mohd. Zukefli, Tan Kit-Aun, Alif Ramli, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(104):60-60.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Evidently, stigma has potentially prompted the negative outcome in Tuberculosis (TB) control through delayed diagnosis and poor adherence to treatment. Amidst accelerating treatment interruption in Selangor, little attention is paid to the quantitative assessment of stigma, thus warrant further characterisation of TB stigma in ur-ban districts, Selangor. This study aimed to determine the predictors of internalised stigma among newly diagnosed PTB smear positive in urban districts, Selangor. Methods: A multi-centric longitudinal study recruited 345 newly diagnosed PTB smear positive patients who started TB treatment from November 2018 until June 2019. Baseline assessments utilised pre-tested self-administered questionnaire and standardised data collection form. Using IBM SPSS version 25.0, multiple linear regression was computed to determine the predictors. Results: The response rate was 84.7% with most of respondents were married and attained educational level up to secondary school. Other than low mean score of social support [mean (SD)=33.39(5.86)], the prominent findings were lacking knowledge of anti-TB side effect and wrongly perceived damaging effect of anti-TB drug to internal organ. The mean internalised stigma score was 24.88 (SD=4.70), which predicted by age, educational level (no formal education), employment status (retiree), alternative medicine practice, baseline symptoms score, perceived barrier, and social support, with entire group of variables significantly predicted TB stigma (F [9, 331] =21.476, p
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  8. Fulltext The traditional practice in the hospital setting: what are the ethical implications?
    Rosnani Zakaria, Muzaimi Mustapha, Tengku Alina Tengku Ismail, Bella Puvok, Kamarul Aryffin Baharuddin, Mohd Suhaimi Ab Wahab, et al.
    Education in Medicine Journal, 2015;7(4):68-72.
    MyJurnal
    Myth, believe in powerful ‘being’ commonly known as jinn and usage of ‘bomoh’ as the medium is still widespread in our community in Kelantan especially among the Malay community. This believe and practice of usin ‘bomoh’ to cure and help with known and unknown disease believe to be caused by the jinn, occasionally poses a significant complication and threat to the management of patient in the hospital. Our case is just one of many cases that happen in our local hospital, and we hope by sharing this case will illustrate how ethical discussion occasionally surpassed the four common ethical pillars.
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  9. Fulltext Use of complementary and alternative medicine and adherence to antiepileptic drug therapy among epilepsy patients: a systematic review
    Farrukh MJ, Makmor-Bakry M, Hatah E, Tan HJ
    Patient Prefer Adherence, 2018;12:2111-2121.
    PMID: 30349205 DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S179031
    Purpose: To identify the use pattern of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and its impact on antiepileptic drug (AED) adherence among patients with epilepsy.

    Method: Potential studies were identified through a systematic search of Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The keywords used to identify relevant articles were "adherence," "AED," "epilepsy," "non-adherence," and "complementary and alternative medicine." An article was included in the review if the study met the following criteria: 1) conducted in epilepsy patients, 2) conducted in patients aged 18 years and above, 3) conducted in patients prescribed AEDs, and 4) patients' adherence to AEDs.

    Results: A total of 3,330 studies were identified and 30 were included in the final analysis. The review found that the AED non-adherence rate reported in the studies was between 25% and 66%. The percentage of CAM use was found to be between 7.5% and 73.3%. The most common reason for inadequate AED therapy and higher dependence on CAM was the patients' belief that epilepsy had a spiritual or psychological cause, rather than primarily being a disease of the brain. Other factors for AED non-adherence were forgetfulness, specific beliefs about medications, depression, uncontrolled recent seizures, and frequent medication dosage.

    Conclusion: The review found a high prevalence of CAM use and non-adherence to AEDs among epilepsy patients. However, a limited number of studies have investigated the association between CAM usage and AED adherence. Future studies may wish to explore the influence of CAM use on AED medication adherence.

    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  10. Fulltext Usage of complementary and alternative medicine among primary care clinic attendees, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, January - April 2004
    Lee PY, Abang Taha AB, Lin K, Ghazali SR, Syed Ahmad Al-Mashoor SH
    Asia Pac Fam Med, 2007;6(1).
    Aims: To evaluate the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients who attended three randomly selected primary care clinics over 4 months from January to April 2004. Results: A total of 198 patients were recruited. One hundred and eighty-one (91.4%) patients agreed to participate by answering the anonymous questionnaire. Results: Ninety (51.4%) patients used CAM of which 43 (47.8%) patients used more than one type of CAM. Utilization rates of CAM were found to be associated with employment status but not with other socio-demographic factors. The common types of alternative medicine used were massage (n = 63; 36.2%) and herbal medicine (n = 44; 25.1%). Forty-two (46%) of the CAM users, used CAM for the problems that led to their current clinic visit. Thirty-four (37.8%) were using alternative and modern medicine at the same time. The reasons for CAM usage given by about half of the patients were that CAM was more effective and better for emotional or mental health problems. Conclusions: Usage of CAM was common in patients who visited primary care clinics. It is important to recognize this fact as combined use of CAM can create potentially dangerous interactions with pharmacotherapies Key words: complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), primary care
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  11. Fulltext The role of psychiatrists and muslim faith healers in mental health issues
    Zul Azlin Razali, Faiz Tahir, M.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(101):31-35.
    MyJurnal
    Following the announcement of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2013, Muslim faith healers are slowly gaining grounds to make their practice mainstream. One of the major characteristics of Muslim faith healers is the strong inclination to attribute mental illnesses to Jinn possession (demonic possession). Unlike other traditional healers, Muslim faith healers’ primary mode of treatment is Ruqyah, an incantation or generally considered as ‘Du’a or prayers. This article is a sharing by a psychiatrist who has been actively engaging with faith healers in order to understand the world of faith healing including the attitude and knowledge of both the healers and clients while attempting to educate them on modern psychiatry based on bio-psycho-socio-spiritual paradigm. The methodology: 1) Involvement in symposium, seminar and focused group discussion, either as participant or as speaker. 2) Collaborating with local spiritual leader to conduct workshop on mental illness in mosques. 3) Writing articles in scientific and popular publications with and without faith healers as the collaborators. 4) Appearing in radio advocating and discussing about the dilemma of mental illness issue from the religious perspectives, and 5) Participate in workshop conducted by Muslim faith healers. As a result, several issues come to the author’s attention. The divisions of Muslim faith healers are rather complicated, for example Malay traditional healers or bomoh should not be categorized in the same group as Muslim faith healers. The oft-quoted ‘Islamic Medicine’ is problematic in view that it is laced with elements of local cultural value and practice which are not necessarily authentically Islamic. Since Malays make up the biggest community in Malaysia, one has to differentiate between Islam and Muslim. Majority of Muslims misunderstood the term Ruqyah as a form of healing exclusively done by the Muslim faith healers. In conclusion, psychiatrists should engage more proactively with faith and spiritual healers in order to curb stigmatization and delay in seeking psychiatric care and treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  12. Fulltext Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as treatments for psychiatric disorders: a guide for mental health professionals
    Izaida I
    Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2018;32:55-69.
    Given the increased popularity and use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, it is crucial for mental health professionals to be informed about this treatment approach. Accordingly, this paper critically reviews the pro and con arguments for the use of CAM treatment modalities in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Given that there are potential dangers in adopting the CAM approach without appropriate supervision, it begs the question of what roles and responsibilities mental health professionals have in the matter. Thus, this article proceeds to address the roles and the recommended strategies for mental health professionals when working with patients or clients who use CAM for their treatment of psychopathological issues. Finally, it goes further to discuss the practice of integrating both conventional treatment and CAM to treat mental disorders and issues associated with such disorders. Importantly, this article highlights the need for knowledgeable, confident, and trained mental health professionals to provide patient counselling about the complementary and alternative approach.
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  13. Fulltext Honey: a potential therapeutic agent for managing diabetic wounds
    Alam F, Islam MA, Gan SH, Khalil MI
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2014;2014:169130.
    PMID: 25386217 DOI: 10.1155/2014/169130
    Diabetic wounds are unlike typical wounds in that they are slower to heal, making treatment with conventional topical medications an uphill process. Among several different alternative therapies, honey is an effective choice because it provides comparatively rapid wound healing. Although honey has been used as an alternative medicine for wound healing since ancient times, the application of honey to diabetic wounds has only recently been revived. Because honey has some unique natural features as a wound healer, it works even more effectively on diabetic wounds than on normal wounds. In addition, honey is known as an "all in one" remedy for diabetic wound healing because it can combat many microorganisms that are involved in the wound process and because it possesses antioxidant activity and controls inflammation. In this review, the potential role of honey's antibacterial activity on diabetic wound-related microorganisms and honey's clinical effectiveness in treating diabetic wounds based on the most recent studies is described. Additionally, ways in which honey can be used as a safer, faster, and effective healing agent for diabetic wounds in comparison with other synthetic medications in terms of microbial resistance and treatment costs are also described to support its traditional claims.
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies
  14. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) disclosure to the health care providers: a qualitative insight from Malaysian cancer patients
    Farooqui M, Hassali MA, Abdul Shatar AK, Shafie AA, Farooqui MA, Saleem F, et al.
    Complement Ther Clin Pract, 2012 Nov;18(4):252-6.
    PMID: 23059441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.06.005
    This study sought to evaluate Malaysian oncology patients CAM disclosure to the health care providers. Patients were interviewed across three major Malaysian ethnic groups, Malay, Chinese and Indian. Thematic content analysis identified three themes: reasons of CAM disclosure, reasons of CAM non-disclosure and preference of CAM discussion to health care providers. Patients agreed that CAM disclosure is important to avoid any interaction with the conventional medicines. Perceived lack of physicians' knowledge & interest in CAM, fear of termination of therapy by the physicians upon CAM disclosure, and perceived simplicity of some of the CAM therapies were among the reasons of non-disclosure. Given the option of oncologists, pharmacists or nurses, patients described oncologists as the most suitable person to discuss or disclose CAM use due to confidence in their clinical skills. Understanding the underlying beliefs of patients' reluctance to disclose CAM to health care providers is important especially when they are on an ongoing treatment for cancer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies/utilization*
  15. Use of complementary and alternative medicine among breast cancer survivors
    Saibul N, Shariff ZM, Rahmat A, Sulaiman S, Yaw YH
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2012;13(8):4081-6.
    PMID: 23098520
    Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among individuals with cancer, especially breast cancer survivors. This study was conducted among 394 breast cancer survivors in selected regions of Peninsular Malaysia to identify the pattern and factors associated with CAM use. About 51% of the respondents reported CAM use as complementary treatment. Vitamins (47.2%), spiritual activities (33.2%) and other dietary supplements (30.7%) were the most commonly used CAM therapies. Common reasons for CAM use were to increase the body's ability to perform daily activities (70.9%), enhance immune function (58.3%) and improve emotional well-being (31.7%). Users obtained CAM information mainly from friends and family members (62.5%), physicians (25.0%) and mass media (13.9%). Ethnicity and years of education were significantly associated with CAM use. Although no adverse effects of CAM were reported, breast cancer survivors should discuss their CAM use with health professionals to prevent potential adverse effects of these therapies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies/statistics & numerical data*
  16. Drug safety reports on complementary and alternative medicines (ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines) by a spontaneous reporting program in a tertiary care hospital
    Jose J, Rao PG, Kamath MS, Jimmy B
    J Altern Complement Med, 2009 Jul;15(7):793-7.
    PMID: 19534607 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2008.0128
    The objectives of this study were to initiate a pharmacist-coordinated program to improve the adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting on complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in a tertiary care hospital and to evaluate the pattern of the reported ADRs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies/adverse effects*
  17. Fulltext Quality of Life in CAM and Non-CAM Users among Breast Cancer Patients during Chemotherapy in Malaysia
    Chui PL, Abdullah KL, Wong LP, Taib NA
    PLoS One, 2015;10(10):e0139952.
    PMID: 26451732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139952
    BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has become increasingly popular among patients with cancer. The purposes of this study were to compare the QOL in CAM users and non-CAM users and to determine whether CAM use influences QOL among breast cancer patients during chemotherapy.

    METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at two outpatient chemotherapy centers. A total of 546 patients completed the questionnaires on CAM use. QOL was evaluated based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core quality of life (QLQ-C30) and breast cancer-specific quality of life (QLQ-BR23) questionnaires.

    RESULTS: A total of 70.7% of patients were identified as CAM users. There was no significant difference in global health status scores and in all five subscales of the QLQ C30 functional scales between CAM users and non-CAM users. On the QLQ-C30 symptom scales, CAM users (44.96±3.89) had significantly (p = 0.01) higher mean scores for financial difficulties than non-CAM users (36.29±4.81). On the QLQ-BR23 functional scales, CAM users reported significantly higher mean scores for sexual enjoyment (6.01±12.84 vs. 4.64±12.76, p = 0.04) than non-CAM users. On the QLQ-BR23 symptom scales, CAM users reported higher systemic therapy side effects (41.34±2.01 vs. 37.22±2.48, p = 0.04) and breast symptoms (15.76±2.13 vs. 11.08±2.62, p = 0.02) than non-CAM users. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the use of CAM modality was not significantly associated with higher global health status scores (p = 0.71).

    CONCLUSION: While the findings indicated that there was no significant difference between users and non-users of CAM in terms of QOL, CAM may be used by health professionals as a surrogate to monitor patients with higher systemic therapy side effects and breast symptoms. Furthermore, given that CAM users reported higher financial burdens (which may have contributed to increased distress), patients should be encouraged to discuss the potential benefits and/or disadvantages of using CAM with their healthcare providers.

    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies*
  18. Why Cancer Patients Seek Islamic Healing
    Suhami N, Muhamad MB, Krauss SE
    J Relig Health, 2016 Oct;55(5):1507-18.
    PMID: 26391242 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-015-0114-6
    Islamic healing is frequently referred to as the treatment of choice by many Muslim cancer patients in Malaysia. Despite its widespread use, there is limited information relating to patients' healing preferences. With rising cancer rates in the country, this issue has become a concern to public health policy makers. The purpose of this study was to understand why cancer patients seek Islamic healing. This qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews with 18 cancer patients. The findings indicate three main reasons: (1) recommendations from family, friends and doctors; (2) belief in Islamic healing and (3) the perceived ineffectiveness and dissatisfaction with conventional treatments. Islamic healing will likely continue to be popular complementary cancer treatment in Malaysia as it is grounded in strong cultural and religious beliefs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies*
  19. Complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with hematological cancers in Malaysia
    Gan GG, Leong YC, Bee PC, Chin E, Teh AK
    Support Care Cancer, 2015 Aug;23(8):2399-406.
    PMID: 25876158 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-015-2614-z
    BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is often used by cancer patients, but not many studies had been published on the prevalence of CAM use in patients with hematological cancers. This study aims to determine the prevalence of CAM and type of CAM used in this group of patients in a multiracial and multicultural country.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey carried out in two hospitals in Malaysia. Patients with underlying hematological cancers were asked to complete the questionnaires on CAM and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

    RESULTS: A total of 245 patients participated. The prevalence of CAM use was 70.2 %. The most common types of CAM used are biological-based therapies (90.2 %) and mind-body interventions (42 %). Vitamin and diet supplements (68.6 %) and folk/herb remedies (58 %) are the most common biological-based therapies used. There is no significant association of CAM use with age, gender, education level, and household income. Female patients are more likely to use more than one CAM therapies. The most common reason reported for CAM use was to boost immunity (57 %) and cure (24 %). Majority of patients (65 %) felt CAM was effective, and 60 % did not inform their physicians regarding CAM usage.

    CONCLUSION: In view of the high prevalence of CAM use in patients with hematological cancers, it is important that the physicians play an active role in seeking information from patients and to monitor possible drug-vitamin-herbal interactions.

    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies/methods*
  20. Unlicensed medical practice in West Malaysia
    Chen PC
    Trop Geogr Med, 1971 Jun;23(2):173-82.
    PMID: 4327992
    Matched MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies*
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