Thesis (MNutr (Human Nutrition))--University of Stellenbosch, 2008. / Objective: To determine the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among adult HIV positive patients in an outpatient setting. Design: A prospective, observational study performed on patients diagnosed with HIV. The study was conducted from July 2005 to November 2005. Setting: An Outpatient clinic at the Department of Sexual Health (DOSH), Whipps Cross University Hospital, London. Subjects: All patients diagnosed with HIV at the DOSH were approached to participate in the project. Data on patients not using CAM and incomplete questionnaires were not used in the data analysis process. Outcomes measures: The outcome measures include the prevalence of CAM use, reasons for using CAM therapies and monthly expenditure with CAM therapies, sources of information about CAM therapies, disclosure of CAM therapy use, knowledge regarding antiretroviral therapy and CAM therapy drug interactions.

This thesis examines from a medical anthropological viewpoint how the practice of the newly imported complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been transplanted, received and transformed in Japan. More specifically, I focus on homeopathy, which was introduced into Japan in the late 1990s. To address the research question, I focus on the practice of homeopathy from the anthropological viewpoint. The adoption of any new form of medicine is influenced by the prevailing medical, social and cultural context. So, how and why was homeopathy introduced into Japan the late 1990s? I explore this question by focusing on three aspects of the reception of homeopathy in Japan: (1) the institutionalisation of the homeopathy, including the formation of associations of practitioners and homeopathic colleges; (2) the translation of the theory and practice of homeopathy by the practitioners into a culturally acceptable form; (3) the utilisation and consumption of homeopathy by the patients, their families and self-prescribers. Over eighteen months of fieldwork in Japan led me to focus on these three elements of homeopathic practice. Regarding the theoretical framework, this mainly explores medical pluralism and the health care system in Japan from an anthropological perspective, and the globalisation and transmission of medicine. I argue that the success of homeopathy in Japan was largely thanks to the transmission strategies set by the founders of the colleges for lay homeopaths. Mothers in particular, concerned by worries over family health care, were drawn by this approach. Furthermore I also argue that this group not only be' self-help groups, creating thereby a strong tie with the lay homeopaths. I argue that mothers gained a sense of the empowerment through homeopathy. Within the Japanese health care system it was the popular sector that received and developed homeopathy.

<p> Chronic diseases, specifically autoimmune disorders, take an enormous physical, psychological, and financial toll on patients, families, and the healthcare system. Mainstream biomedicine offers limited solutions outside of pharmacological interventions. Mind-Body Medicine (MBM) lifestyle intervention strategies offer low-cost, low-risk options to reducing stress and managing health. A review of relevant biomedical literature regarding effects of cumulative stress on psychological and physiological health was completed. To my knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the effects of relaxation strategies on immune function, mood, and heart rate variability in adult women diagnosed with thyroid diseases. </p><p> This quasi-experimental study measured the effects of diaphragmatic breathing (DB) and guided imagery (GI) in a small convenience sample of 15 participants (DB, <i>n</i> = 7; GI, <i>n</i> = 8). Pre- and post-intervention data were collected on (a) heart rate variability, (b) mood using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and (c) immune response with salivary interleukin-1beta (IL-1&beta;). Saliva samples were tested utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. </p><p> Within-subject data from Wilcoxon signed rank tests showed both interventions significantly decreased negative mood (DB, <i>p</i> = .02; GI, <i> p</i> = .01). In contrast, only the DB group showed significant changes in HRV (SDNN, <i>p</i> = .02; RMSSD, <i>p</i> = .04; pNN50, <i> p</i> = .05; LF(n.u.), <i>p</i> = .04). Interestingly, the IL-1&beta; results for both interventions showed an unexpected increase, with the GI group showing statistical significance (<i>p</i> = .05). Between-group analysis using the Mann-Whitney <i>U</i> test showed statistically significant change scores along with moderate effect sizes for HRV (SDNN, <i>p</i> = .04, <i>r</i> = &ndash;.54; LF(n.u.), <i>p</i> = .04, <i>r</i> = &ndash;.54; HF(n.u.), <i> p</i> = .04, <i>r</i> = &ndash;.54). </p><p> This study provides important clinical implications for the field of Psychoneuroimmunology and lends support for integrative care by using lifestyle interventions to positively impact and optimize health, specifically for those diagnosed with thyroid diseases. Future research assessing the effects of relaxation interventions would elucidate the impact of these self-regulation techniques within this medical population. Specifically, studies with larger sample size and including salivary IL-1&beta; would enhance the literature regarding this cytokine&rsquo;s role in inflammation and the healing process. </p><p>

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine use, knowledge and attitudes towards traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) in Botswana among people who visit public health facilities. PRIMARY AIM: The primary aim of this study was to establish the attitude towards, knowledge of and use of TCAM among patients utilizing two public health care facilities in Botswana. METHODS: The study was descriptive and quantitative in design. Data were collected using structured questionnaires in two public sector hospitals. Data included demographics of participants, current or past TCAM use, perceptions of efficacy and safety of TCAM and knowledge sources on TCAM. RESULTS: The median age of participants was 38.5 years with the youngest participants being 18 years and oldest participant 78 years. Just more than half (55%) of the participants were female.The majority of participants were single (65.6%) and about a quarter (24.4%) of participants were married. Of the study population 16 (7%) participants had no formal education and 40% had a secondary school education. The prevalence of TCAM use in the 90 study participants was found to be 48.9% of which 16.7% were currently using TCAM and 32.2% had used TCAM in the past. However, this practice could not be correlated with any particular demographic variable. TCAM was most often used either to promote overall wellness or to treat a specific health condition. The TCAM modality that was mostly used was African traditional medicine and other herbals. The majority of TCAM users were satisfied with the effects of TCAM of whom 68.4% of participants found the products very helpful. Most of the respondents (79%) reported that they perceived the products to be very safe. However, the participants were split in their willingness to recommend TCAM to another person. In terms of knowledge, most participants would not use TCAM with other medicines. Yet the majority of participants also indicated that they have never discussed TCAM use with their health care professional. Most participants have been exposed to information on TCAM from family or friends (80.6%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of TCAM use in Botswana is similar to findings in other parts of the world. These products were primarily used for overall wellness and to treat specific diseases, but this practice could not be attributed to any particular demographic profile. The majority of TCAM users were satisfied with the effects of TCAM. Findings support a need for greater integration of allopathic medicine and CAM, as well as improved communication between patients and caregivers regarding TCAM usage.

The historical roots of traditional and modem Western medicine have been the same, but during the past century these systems have diverged modem medicine has became dominant, replacing traditional systems in much of the world and denigrating them as quackery. In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional systems, with a remarkable change in attitude among health care professionals in many parts of the world. There is an increasing emphasis upon the importance of health care providers familiarizing themselves with specific culture-bound syndromes and their manifestations, in order to provide quality care to culturally diverse clients seeking health care services. Thus, there is a need for a complementary relationship between traditional healing practices and modem medicine in the world, reflecting the importance of respect for cultural diversity in health planning. The research problem assumes a relation between three distinctive dimensions of reality, namely, the industrial mentality, culture, and education. These dimensions will be discussed - according to the relation-axes model introduced by Wielemans and Chan (1992:19), which investigates the complexity of relationships between man and himself, man and fellowmen, man and nature, and man and the transcendental. In Kuwait the traditional healing practices will be examined according to Islamic medicine and its contribution to health care. A comparison of modem and Islamic medicine is formulated and recommendations are made for the training health care professionals in Kuwait. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Comparative Education)

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 1997. / The aim of this study was to assess pharmacists' perception of complementary medicine in the health care system of South Africa / M

Dissertation submitted inpartial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 1998. / The aim of this investigation was to determine the perception of medical practitioners with regard to complementary medicine in health care in South Africa. This involved establishing medical practitioners attitude, as well as their experience and knowledge of complementary medicine: homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, herbalism, reflexology, aromatherapy and osteopathy / M

M.A. / This paper presents a literature review on the effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies (CAT’s) on depression with specific reference to Reiki and depression. The concept of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is explained. The use of complementary and alternative medicine is widespread and it is noted that those with psychiatric disorders are more likely to use CAM than those with other diseases. The discussion then focuses on Reiki, providing some background information to orientate the reader. The studies, reports and claims regarding the use and efficacy of Reiki are enumerated and evaluated with the aim of trying to establish whether Reiki has been used and therefore could be used to treat depression in women.

PhD / The present healthcare system in South Africa suffers from a number of serious deficiencies. Whilst orthodox bio-medicine is well established in most first world countries, its total introduction and implementation into all communities within South Africa faces many obstacles. The cost of diagnostic techniques, investigative procedures and pharmaceutical products, the availability of competent medical staff in the non-urban areas, and the lack of acceptance of the philosophy and practice of orthodox bio-medicine in rural regions are but some of the factors which conspire against the general application of this orthodox medical paradigm. Another problem confronting healthcare and medical practice in South Africa, particularly at this stage of our historical development, is the absolute focus on orthodox bio-medicine, often to the detriment of other medical paradigms that also have advantages to offer. Can the integration of another medical paradigm, such as Unani-Tibb, enhance the practice of orthodox bio-medicine in this country? The aim of the thesis was to investigate the possibility of integrating Unani-Tibb with orthodox biomedicine (also termed conventional, Western or allopathic medicine) and assess its potential for improving delivery of an effective, affordable and appropriate healthcare system in South Africa. The research questions which the thesis seeks to answer is whether this integration is possible and whether the delivery of healthcare to the South African population can be enhanced. Changes in the provision of medical education are necessary, and occupy a pivotal role in allowing for this integration. Unani-Tibb is a traditional medical system practiced extensively on the Indian sub-continent and in other parts of the world. At present, however, it is minimally practiced in South Africa. Its primary principle is the energetic promotion of health maintenance behaviour and the prevention of disease, through effective application of dietotherapy, pharmacotherapy and other interventions, as well as the empowerment of the patient towards adopting behavioural changes and lifestyle adaptations. One positive aspect of Unani-Tibb is that it has many features in common with both orthodox biomedicine and African Traditional medicine. These commonalities should allow for greater acceptance by orthodox healthcare professionals, as well as the general population.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) are interventions that are used in place of or alongside conventional medication; it has been described as “complementing mainstream medicine by contributing to the common whole” (Ernst, 2000). The use of CAM is on the increase worldwide, with a prevalence of 30% to 50% recorded in industrialized countries in 1998 (Astin et al., 1998). People are increasingly consulting CAM practitioners and are also doing their own research on CAM products as well as self-medicating by purchasing products that are freely available from health shops and pharmacies. Trends seem to emerge in the type of people who seek out these modalities and people who do use CAM modalities seem to have favourable results. This study was formulated to give insight into the perceptions of CAM users in Cape Town regarding CAM use. The information obtained can be used to get a better understanding about CAM users themselves and their attitudes toward CAM in order for better education of the public on CAM and marketing of CAM professions in the future. Worldwide studies have been done on the prevalence of CAM use, and in South Africa, only one done so far in Chatsworth (Durban)(Singh et al., 2004). In South Africa, the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPCSA) registers and regulates 11 CAM professions, namely Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Naturopathy, Osteopathy, Phytotherapy, Therapeutic Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Massage, Therapeutic Reflexology and Unani-Tibb. Even though the practitioners are regulated, some CAM products are freely available in retail outlets. The aim of this study is to determine the attitudes towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine by users in Cape Town, evaluated by means of a survey. This study was conducted by means of a survey; 200 questionnaires were distributed to 10 different health shops in Cape Town. Participants completed the questionnaires privately on the premises and handed them to the staff at the health shops.Completed questionnaires were placed in sealed envelopes and collected by the researcher on completion of the study. Out of the 200 questionnaires that were distributed, 183 were completed and results were analyzed by STATKON.