Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 33 in total

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  1. Gargari BP, Namazi N, Khalili M, Sarmadi B, Jafarabadi MA, Dehghan P
    Complement Ther Med, 2015 Dec;23(6):810-5.
    PMID: 26645521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2015.09.005
    The aim of the present study was to determine effects of Resistant Starch (RS2) on metabolic parameters and inflammation in women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
  2. Lee SW, Liong ML, Yuen KH, Krieger JN
    Complement Ther Med, 2014 Dec;22(6):965-9.
    PMID: 25453515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.10.010
    Objective: The immune system has been implicated as one mechanism underlying the benefits of acupuncture therapy. Evidence suggests that acupuncture can ameliorate symptoms of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), but the association between clinical response and the immune system has not been investigated.

    Design/setting: We investigated 12 CP/CPPS patients participating in a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing acupuncture versus sham acupuncture for effects on cellular immunity. Blood samples were taken before the first needling and after the last of 20 treatment sessions (week 10). Patients also completed questionnaires examining their CP/CPPS symptoms and mood status at the baseline and end of study visits.

    Results: At the end of study 8 of 12 participants (67%) were classified as treatment responders, four participants each from the acupuncture and sham groups. The acupuncture group averaged a 5% increase in natural killer cell levels compared to corresponding sham (-13%; p=0.03). Similarly, patients randomized to acupuncture reported a reduction in other white blood cell parameters examined, supporting the possibility that immunity might be important in the pathophysiology of CP/CPPS.

    Conclusions: The specific effect of acupuncture on CP/CPPS remains unclear. Further research is warranted to examine the mechanisms by which acupuncture therapy may improve clinical symptoms in patients with CP/CPPS.

    Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00260637).

    Keywords: Acupuncture; Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome; Immune system; Neuroendocrine system; Traditional Chinese medicine.
  3. Ajimsha MS, Majeed NA, Chinnavan E, Thulasyammal RP
    Complement Ther Med, 2014 Jun;22(3):419-25.
    PMID: 24906579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.03.013
    Relaxation training can be an important adjunct in reducing symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Autogenic Training (AT) is a simple, easily administered and inexpensive technique for retraining the mind and the body to be able to relax. AT uses visual imagery and body awareness to promote a state of deep relaxation.
  4. Maenthaisong R, Chaiyakunapruk N, Tiyaboonchai W, Tawatsin A, Rojanawiwat A, Thavara U
    Complement Ther Med, 2014 Feb;22(1):34-9.
    PMID: 24559814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2013.08.014
    INTRODUCTION: Trikatu is composed of dried fruits of Piper nigrum L and Piper retrofractum Vahl, and dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale R. Although this preparation has been used to relieve pruritis, pain, and inflammation for a long time, there is no clinical evidence to confirm its efficacy and safety. Therefore, we performed a double-blind, within person-randomized controlled study of 30 healthy volunteers to determine efficacy and safety of topical Trikatu on mosquito bite reactions.
    METHODS: All subjects were bitten by Aedes aegypti laboratory mosquitoes on their forearms and they were randomly assigned arms to apply either Trikatu or reference product on the mosquito bite papule. The main outcome was the difference of papule size reduction at 30 min, measured by a caliper, between the Trikatu and reference arms. Pruritis, redness, pain, and patient satisfaction were assessed at 15, 30, 60, 180, and 360 min as secondary outcomes.
    RESULTS: There were no significant differences between treatment and reference arms on any outcome at any time of measurement.
    CONCLUSION: Trikatu did not show additional effects for relieving mosquito bite reaction as compared with the reference product containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus. For further study, it is very important to consider a proper selection of subjects, comparator product, and concentration of extract when Trikatu preparation is investigated.
    KEYWORDS: Eucalyptus oil; Mosquito bite; Mosquito bite symptoms; Papule size reduction; Trikatu preparation
  5. Siti ZM, Tahir A, Farah AI, Fazlin SM, Sondi S, Azman AH, et al.
    Complement Ther Med, 2009 Oct-Dec;17(5-6):292-9.
    PMID: 19942109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2009.04.002
    The increasing popularity and use of traditional and complementary medicine (TCAM) in both developed and developing countries, including Malaysia, have raised significant public health policy issues. However, currently, there is a paucity of baseline data on such usage by the Malaysian community.
  6. Aziz Z, Tey NP
    Complement Ther Med, 2009 Jan;17(1):44-50.
    PMID: 19114228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2008.04.008
    The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and identify factors, which predict the use of herbal medicines among Malaysian adults.
  7. Kotirum S, Ismail SB, Chaiyakunapruk N
    Complement Ther Med, 2015 Oct;23(5):693-8.
    PMID: 26365449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2015.07.009
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) herbal extract on erectile function improvement.
    METHODS: Comprehensive electronic databases were searched from inception through October 2014. Randomized controlled trials investigating Tongkat Ali compared to placebo were included. Outcome of interest was the improvement of erectile dysfunction. The difference of changes from baseline of the outcome between Tongkat Ali and placebo was pooled using weighted mean difference (WMD). Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using Jadad's quality scale and Cochrane's risk of bias.
    RESULTS: Of the 342 articles identified, 2 studies involving a total of 139 participants were analyzed. No significance between group difference was found in the mean WMD of the change in the 5- item version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) at week-12 (0.91; 95% CI: -1.50 to 3.33 with I(2)=89.5%, P-value=0.002) with statistical heterogeneity. Based on the subgroup analysis, significant improved IIEF-5 score of 2.15 (95% CI 1.03-3.27) was found in subjects with lower baseline IIEF-5 score, but this was not seen among those with higher baseline IIEF-5 score.
    CONCLUSION: Based on current evidence, the herbal extract of Tongkat Ali may have clinical effect on erectile function. However, more efficacy trials are warranted to further support current evidence.
    KEYWORDS: Alternative medicine; Erectile dysfunction; Eurycoma longifolia; Extract; Root; Tongkat Ali
  8. Kaur J, Hamajima N, Yamamoto E, Saw YM, Kariya T, Soon GC, et al.
    Complement Ther Med, 2019 Feb;42:422-428.
    PMID: 30670278 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.013
    BACKGROUND: Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) has been integrated into the Malaysian public healthcare system since the establishment of the first T&CM unit at a public hospital in 2007. Assessing patient satisfaction is a vital component of health service evaluation. The main objective of this study is to determine the level of patient satisfaction with the utilization of T&CM services at public hospitals in Malaysia and assess the sociodemographic influence on the overall reporting of satisfaction. This study also aims to analyze the response of the patients towards expansion of T&CM services in the public sector in Malaysia.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study was conducted to analyze data on the utilization of T&CM services within public hospitals. Secondary data on 822 patients' satisfaction with services offered at 15 T&CM units was analyzed to examine the overall levels of satisfaction with T&CM services in public hospitals in Malaysia.

    RESULTS: Overall, 99.4% of patients were satisfied with T&CM services and most patients (91.8%) felt that T&CM treatment positively impacted their health. Overall satisfaction was not affected by lower levels of satisfaction with subcategories of service, such as the number of treatment sessions received (90.7% satisfied), date to the next appointment (90.7% satisfied), and the absence of adverse effects of treatment received (87.1% satisfied). There were no significant associations between the socioeconomic status of the respondents and the level of satisfaction reported; however, respondents with a monthly salary of Ringgit Malaysia (RM) 1000 to RM 3000 were more than twice as likely to be strongly satisfied with services received (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.19-3.78).

    CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high level of satisfaction among patients who had received T&CM treatment at public hospitals in Malaysia. High satisfaction with T&CM treatment validates the integrative management approach adopted in patient care within the public hospitals in Malaysia.

  9. Zhong X, Xiong Y, Wei D, Wang S, Xiao Z, Liu M, et al.
    Complement Ther Med, 2020 Aug;52:102491.
    PMID: 32951740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102491
    BACKGROUND: Inconsistencies exist with regard to effect of maternal vitamin D supplementation on infant vitamin D status. The inconsistencies could be attributed to numerous factors, such as duration of intervention and dosage, among others. In this work, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the influence of maternal vitamin D supplementation on infant vitamin D status.

    METHODS: A comprehensive systematic search was performed in Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed/MEDLINE, by investigators, from database inception until November 2019, without using any restrictions. Weighted mean difference (WMD) with the 95 % CI was used for assessing the effects of maternal vitamin D supplementation on 25(OH) D levels in infants.

    RESULTS: Overall results from 14 studies revealed a non-significant effect of maternal vitamin D administration on the level of 25(OH) D in breastfeeding infants (WMD: -0.464 ng/mL, 95 % CI: -6.68 to 5.75, p = 0.884, I2 = 98 %). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation dosage ≥2000 IU/day (WMD: 9 ng/mL, 95 % CI: 8.19, 9.82, I2 = 99 %) and intervention duration ≥20 weeks (WMD: 16.20 ng/mL, 95 % CI: 14.89, 17.50, I2 = 99 %) significantly increased 25(OH) D.

    CONCLUSIONS: The main results indicate a non-significant increase in infant vitamin D following maternal vitamin D supplementation. Additionally, vitamin D supplementation dosage ≥2000 IU/day and intervention duration ≥20 weeks significantly increased infant 25(OH) D.

  10. Yang L, Guo Z, Qi S, Fang T, Zhu H, Santos HO, et al.
    Complement Ther Med, 2020 Aug;52:102505.
    PMID: 32951753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102505
    BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Walnut intake is considered a healthy dietary approach worldwide, particularly as a nutritional tool for the management of obesity and cardiometabolic disorders. Among these lines, leptin and adiponectin, as well as glycemic biomarkers, deserve further attention. We aimed to examine the impact of walnut intake on circulation levels of leptin and adiponectin through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs); secondarily, assessing the glycemic profile as well.

    METHODS: The literature search was implemented in four following databases: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar, thus, determining studies that measured the effects of walnut consumption on adiponectin, leptin, and glycemic biomarkers levels from 2004 up to December 2019.

    RESULTS: Fourteen trials were include in the meta-analysis, with an intervention period ranging from 5 weeks to 12 months.Walnut intake increased leptin (weighted mean difference (WMD): 2.502 ng/mL; 95 % CI: 2.147-2.856, p 

  11. Wan J, Yuan J, Li X, Bao Y, Hou Y, Li Z, et al.
    Complement Ther Med, 2020 Nov;54:102579.
    PMID: 33183675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102579
    OBJECTIVE: Although many studies have attempted to unravel the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of VTE, the results remained inconsistent. To address this discrepancy, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to precisely disentangle the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and VTE risk.

    METHODS: The Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched for all available observational studies that reported the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) based on serum vitamin D levels categories. The search was performed up to March 2020.

    RESULTS: Seven studies were included. The overall analysis showed a significantly increased risk of VTE in subjects with low levels of serum vitamin D compared with those with normal vitamin D levels (RR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.07-1.69; P = 0.011). In a sensitivity analysis, we did not observe a significant effect of any individual study on the combined effect sizes. Nevertheless, significant heterogeneity was present among the studies (Cochrane Q test, p = 0.018, I2 = 61%). In the stratified analysis, low vitamin D levels were positively associated with an increased risk of VTE in prospective population-based studies (RR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.06-1.61; P = 0.010) and in subjects below 60 years old (RR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.07-1.54; P = 0.060).

    CONCLUSION: our systematic review and meta-analysis showed that a low serum vitamin D level was indeed associated with an increased risk of VTE.

  12. Puttarak P, Pornpanyanukul P, Meetam T, Bunditanukul K, Chaiyakunapruk N
    Complement Ther Med, 2018 Apr;37:37-42.
    PMID: 29609935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.01.009
    BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Several randomized controlled trials have investigated Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. for smoking cessation but there remains no critical summary of overall findings. This study uses systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the efficacy and safety of V. cinerea.

    METHODS: Nine databases were searched through November 2017. Randomized controlled trials that reported the smoking cessation effect of V. cinerea were included. Data were extracted by two independent researchers. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias and JADAD score. The estimates of pooled effects were calculated as relative risk (RR) with 95% CI using a random-effects model.

    RESULTS: Five trials with 347 smokers were included. V. cinerea treatment group was significantly associated with cessation rate higher than that in the control group with no evidence of heterogeneity for both continuous abstinence rate (CAR) at week 8 with risk ratio (RR): 1.69, 95% CI [1.00, 2.86]; week 12 RR: 2.18, 95% CI [1.17, 4.04]) and 7-day point prevalence abstinence rate (PAR) (week 8 RR: 1.51, 95% CI [1.01, 2.27]; week 12 RR: 1.93, 95% CI [1.24, 2.99]) at week 8 and 12, respectively. There was no significant difference of all adverse events between the treatment and the control groups.

    CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that V. cinerea has potential efficacy for smoking cessation. Further well-design RCTs of standardized V. cinerea compared with standard treatment should be conducted to strengthen this evidence.

  13. Aziz Z, Huin WK, Badrul Hisham MD, Tang WL, Yaacob S
    Complement Ther Med, 2018 Aug;39:49-55.
    PMID: 30012392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.05.011
    OBJECTIVE: To present a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of MPFF in the management of haemorrhoid symptoms.

    METHODS: Electronic databases including CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE were searched up to April 2018 for relevant RCTs. Journal and conference proceedings were also searched. Two review authors independently selected trials, extracted data, assessed the risks of bias in included trials and graded the quality of evidence. Meta-analyses were conducted for studies presenting similar outcomes.

    RESULTS: Ten RCTs involving 1164 participants were included. These RCTs varied in terms of patients' grade of haemorrhoids, length of trials, and outcome assessed. Most of the studies did not describe adequately the process of randomisation and allocation concealment. The pooled analysis of data from three studies indicated that there was significant difference between groups for the bleeding outcome, favoring the MPFF group (RR 1.46; 95% CI 1.10-1.93; p = 0.008). Except for bleeding, the current evidence did not show MPFF has significant effects on all the other outcomes examined when compared with placebo. Even then, the quality of evidence for bleeding was judged as low due to the small number and inconsistent results among the included studies.

    CONCLUSION: This review highlights the need for further rigorous research if MPFF was to be routinely used for the treatment of haemorrhoid symptoms.

  14. Ab Wahab SZ, Nik Hussain NH, Zakaria R, Abdul Kadir A, Mohamed N, Tohit NM, et al.
    Complement Ther Med, 2018 Dec;41:154-160.
    PMID: 30477832 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.08.015
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term effects of Tualang Honey versus Honey Cocktail (mixture of honey, bee bread, and royal jelly) on cardiovascular markers and anthropometric measurements of postmenopausal women.

    METHODS: We conducted a randomised, double blinded, two-armed parallel study comparing 20 g/day of Tualang Honey versus 20 g/day Honey Cocktail among postmenopausal women aged 45-65 years. The cardiovascular parameters and anthropometrics measurements were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months of the intervention.

    RESULTS: 100 subjects were successfully randomised into the groups. There was a significant decrease in the diastolic blood pressure from 77.92 mmHg at baseline to 73.45 mmHg at 12 months (F-statistic = 2.55, p-value = 0.047) in the Tualang Honey group compared to Honey Cocktail. There was also a significant decrease in the fasting blood sugar from 6.11 mmol/L at baseline to 5.71 mmol/L at 12 months (F-statistic = 4.03, p-value = 0.021) in the Tualang Honey group compared to the Honey Cocktail group. The body mass index remained unchanged at 27 kg/m2 (F-statistic = 1.60, p-value = 0.010) throughout 12 months of the intervention in the Honey Cocktail group.

    CONCLUSION: Subjects who received Honey Cocktail showed remarkable effects on body mass index. However, Tualang Honey supplementation showed superior effect in lowering diastolic blood pressure and fasting blood sugar compared to Honey Cocktail. Further studies are required to ascertain the underlying mechanism(s) of Tualang Honey and Honey Cocktail on each observed parameter.

  15. Poh Yuen Wen A, Halim AS, Mat Saad AZ, Mohd Nor F, Wan Sulaiman WA
    Complement Ther Med, 2018 Dec;41:261-266.
    PMID: 30477850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.10.006
    BACKGROUND: Gamat (sea-cucumber) is a natural occurring fauna which is popularly used as traditional medication in Southeast Asian countries. There have been many animal studies done on its' biochemical properties and its' effects in vivo. The effect of gamat on human cutaneous wounds was studied using a split-skin graft donor site wound.

    METHODS: This was a comparative case-control study done on patients in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Hospital USM), requiring split-thickness skin grafting, whereby, the skin graft donor site was divided to almost equal halves, and applied with both gamat-based gel on one side, with Duoderm® hydrogel on the other side. The epithelialization of the wounds was observed and compared on days 10, 14 and 21. Pain score, and pruritus score were also observed. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and Paired t-test was used to test statistical significance accordingly.

    RESULTS: No significant differences were seen in rates of epithelialization of wounds on days 10, 14 and 21 (p > 0.01). No significant difference was also seen in the pain score and pruritus score (p > 0.01).

    CONCLUSIONS: A gamat-based gel is comparable to conventional hydrogels in treatment of split-skin graft donor site. No adverse effects were observed in either group.

  16. Neoh SL
    Complement Ther Med, 2018 Dec;41:161-168.
    PMID: 30477833 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.09.017
    This paper explores the electrical nature of sandy beach and proposes a pathway for the therapeutic effects of beach going. The electric potential and current generated on the ground across the human body and resistors were measured. The ground was found to have a non-homogenous electric potential which generated a potential difference between any two points on the ground. A power curve, similar to a battery, in the nanowatt range was obtained. This power appeared to be stable across time but varies across ground location. Standing on the beach with dry feet did not allow any current in the micro-ampere range to conduct. But upon moistening the feet, the body electrical resistance was reduced by 94% and the ground potential difference across the two feet was sufficient to drive a micro-ampere range current through the body. This may be one reason for the therapeutic effects of being on the beach.
  17. Abolfathi M, Mohd-Yusof BN, Hanipah ZN, Mohd Redzwan S, Yusof LM, Khosroshahi MZ
    Complement Ther Med, 2020 Jan;48:102273.
    PMID: 31987257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102273
    OBJECTIVE: The beneficial effects of carnitine supplementation on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of carnitine supplementation on liver function, lipid profile, body mass index, body weight, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

    METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were performed. Only randomized placebo-controlled human studies that examined the effects of carnitine supplementation on liver function, lipid profile, body mass index, body weight, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance up to September 2019 were included. Fixed effects or random-effects models were applied to compute the pooled effect size. Heterogeneity assessments were performed using Cochran's Q test and I-squared statistics. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Jaded scale.

    RESULTS: A total of 5 articles were selected, including 334 individuals (167 in control and 167 in intervention groups). The results demonstrated that carnitine supplementation significantly reduced homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD: -0.91; 95 % CI: -1.11, -0.72; p 

  18. Aziz Z, Huin WK, Hisham MDB, Ng JX
    Complement Ther Med, 2020 Jan;48:102236.
    PMID: 31987256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102236
    OBJECTIVE: To present a systematic review of randomised controlled trials examining the effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) on lipid profiles.

    METHOD: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SCOPUS and conference proceedings were searched for relevant trials to June 2019. We included randomized controlled trials comparing pomegranate with placebo. The outcomes examined were effects on lipids level. Two authors screened titles for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the quality of the trials using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. We used a random effects model to pool data and stratified trials to examine sources of statistical heterogeneity. To assess the quality of the evidence, we used the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

    RESULTS: Seventeen trials recruiting 763 subjects met the inclusion criteria. These trials varied in terms of the dosage form of pomegranate used, subjects recruited and trials duration. Meta-analyses of data did not show pomegranate produced a significant effect on the lipids level examined. The quality of evidence for all outcomes was low due to the imprecision of the pooled effect and the inconsistency within the included trials. The limited data on safety suggest only mild, transient and infrequent adverse events with the short-term use of pomegranate.

    CONCLUSION: Current evidence does not show pomegranate has significant effects on serum lipid levels. The quality of evidence is poor to support the increasing use of pomegranate for hyperlipidaemia.

  19. Koo K, Nagayah R, Begum S, Tuan Mahmood TM, Mohamed Shah N
    Complement Ther Med, 2020 Mar;49:102355.
    PMID: 32147044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102355
    OBJECTIVE: Globally, the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) for children with atopic eczema (AE) is gaining popularity. At present, information on the pattern of CAM use in Malaysia among children with AE is limited. This study aimed to investigate the pattern of CAM use in children with AE and factors associated with its use.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at a tertiary care centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia among parents of children with AE aged ≤ 12 years using validated questionnaires including Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ-General) and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) scale.

    RESULTS: In total, 173 parents were recruited. The prevalence of CAM use over the last 12-month period was 46.8 %. The most commonly used CAM was Ruqyah (Islamic prayer), followed by Malay herbs, virgin coconut oil, nutritional therapy and homeopathy. AE severity from parental perspective was the major predictor of CAM use based on multiple logistic regression analysis. Parents of children with 'clear or almost clear' (adjusted OR 0.06; 95 % CI 0.01-0.54; p = 0.012) and 'mild' (adjusted OR 0.15; 95 % CI 0.03-0.85; p = 0.032) eczema were less likely to use CAM than those with 'very severe eczema'.

    CONCLUSION: CAM use was prevalent among children with AE. Its use was significantly associated with AE severity from a parental perspective. Healthcare providers may need to enquire parents about CAM use for their child during routine clinic appointment.

  20. Abdollahi F, Yazdani Charati J, Lye MS
    Complement Ther Med, 2020 Mar;49:102323.
    PMID: 32147049 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102323
    Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAMs) is growing worldwide. This study determined the midwives' attitude toward CAMs in general and their view on its safety and efficacy during pregnancy. Via a random sampling method, 344 midwives working in Mazandaran primary health centers (PHC) were recruited from March to November 2017. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The majority of the midwives had positive view on the usefulness of CAMs in general (74.3 %) and thought they should have more knowledge about it (76.7 %). While 50-83 % of the midwives considered some CAM-therapies safe and beneficial, a small number of them referred the patients for CAM-therapy during pregnancy (1.2-5.4 %). A minority of the midwives stated that CAM may be a threat to public health (12.7 %). The midwives' perception toward the usefulness of CAM in general was positive; although, they approved the benefit of few CAMs during pregnancy. A small minority of the midwives considered CAMs as a threat to public health, and few of them advised the patients to use CAMs during pregnancy. As most midwives are interested in learning in this field, it is recommended to run some training programs on the benefit and side effects of CAMs.
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