Complementary and alternative medicine use can lead to the development of membranous nephropathy (MN). The true prevalence and etiologies of complementary and alternative medicine-induced MN remain likely underestimated. The purpose of this review was to report on the incidence of MN induced by various types of complementary and alternative medicine, their clinical presentation, and treatment responses. The study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed searches in MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and conducted hand searches of the reference lists. Studies reporting cases of membranous nephropathy with complementary and alternative medicine exposure published in English from 2010 were included. Two authors independently assessed study eligibility and extracted data for analysis. Twenty-seven studies were included (case reports [n = 10], case series [n = 10], cohort studies [n = 5], and case-control studies [n = 2]) involving a total of 262 patients (66% female) with biopsy-proven MN. The mean age of patients was 43 (±14) years, and the majority of cases (70 [87.5%]) reported exposure to mercury from traditional medicines, skin-whitening creams and hair dyes. Of the 113 cases tested for neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein (NELL-1) antibodies, 107 (94.7%) were positive. Treatment approaches varied widely. Of those managed conservatively (54.8%), 64% achieved complete remission and 24% achieved partial remission. Most reported cases of complementary and alternative medicine-associated MN were in the context of mercury exposure and tested positive for NELL-1. There was no difference in clinical response between those treated with immunosuppression or conservative management. PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42024556741.
In Benin, patients with digestive cancers face multiple challenges, including diagnostic delays and limited access to care. In this context, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common. This study aimed to describe the diagnostic and care pathways of patients with digestive cancers in Benin, and their experiences with both complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional treatments. This qualitative study was conducted at the University Hospital Center (CNHU-HKM) in Cotonou, Benin, among adult patients diagnosed with primary digestive cancers who reported CAM use. The sample was determined by data saturation and included 11 patients. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and fully transcribed. A thematic analysis was performed followed by investigator triangulation. Patients frequently reported diagnostic delays linked to initial symptom minimization, medical wandering, and low awareness of digestive cancers. Access to care was further constrained by financial difficulties and limited availability of medicines. The use of complementary and alternative medicine was mainly motivated by financial barriers, dissatisfaction with conventional treatments, management of side effects, and the search for well-being. Finally, patients emphasized the need for holistic care, including psychosocial and nutritional support, and physician involvement in CAM supervision. This study underscores the complex trajectories of digestive cancer patients in Benin, marked by diagnostic delays, inequities in access to care, and the central role of CAM. The findings call for holistic, patient-centered models of care that promote early detection, enhance access to services, and ensure the safe and culturally sensitive integration of CAM.
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence, patterns and associated factors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among pregnant women in Iran. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect and major Iranian databases from inception to 30 November 2024. We included observational studies published in peer-reviewed journals that assessed CAM use among pregnant women in Iran and reported prevalence estimates or relevant associated factors. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using a standardised form and the Quality Assessment Tool. Meta-analyses of proportions were performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. The between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the I-squared (I²) statistic. Subgroup analysis, 95% prediction intervals (95% PrIs) and sensitivity analysis were conducted to explore the sources of heterogeneity and to evaluate the robustness of the overall effects, respectively. This study followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO. 20 studies with a total of 8106 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of CAM use was 49% (95% CI 39% to 59%). The between-study heterogeneity was very high (I2=94.69%) with a wide 95% PrIs range of 3%-94%. The very high between-study heterogeneity and the wide range of PrI for the pooled prevalence were not explained by the quality of the studies, geographical regions of Iran or the methods of data collection. Mentha longifolia, Zataria multiflora and Boswellia thurifera were the most commonly used herbs. Across the included studies, the first trimester of pregnancy was most frequently reported as the period of CAM use, with socioeconomic factors identified as significant predictors. Family and friends were the primary sources of information regarding CAM. The most common reasons for CAM use included gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems such as colds and coughs, and the desire to improve general health. Only 31% of participants disclosed their use of CAM to their healthcare provider. Nearly half of pregnant women in Iran use CAM, yet disclosure to healthcare providers is low. An actionable implication is the critical need to integrate routine enquiry about CAM use into standard antenatal care to ensure safe practice. Further research is recommended to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and outcomes of CAM use among pregnant women. CRD42024618490.
This study investigates prevalence, usage, and perceived scientific legitimacy of anthroposophic medicine (AM) a prominent form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It further explores associations with socioeconomic and psychological factors, with particular attention to authoritarian orientation, as measured by the KSA-3 scale and low ambiguity tolerance. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among the Austrian population assessing sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare utilization, attitudes toward conventional medicine, AM, and CAM, as well as selected psychological variables. A total of 429 individuals completed the survey. To enhance representativeness, the sample was post-stratified according to recent election results. Regression models and appropriate statistical tests, selected based on data distribution and scale level, were used to evaluate associations between sociodemographic factors, psychological characteristics, and the use of and attitudes toward AM and CAM. Individuals over 50 showed higher CAM preference (p = 0.044), and were more likely to have used AM at least once (p = 0.083). Similarly, women showed higher CAM preferences (p = 0.004) and a higher likelihood of AM use (p < 0.001). Participants who viewed AM as scientific tended to be older (p < 0.001), have a higher income (p < 0.001), and resided more often in rural areas (p = 0.012). Psychologically, lower ambiguity tolerance and stronger perceived health control correlated with a stronger belief in AM's scientific legitimacy (p < 0.05). Higher authoritarian orientation was also significantly associated with an increased belief in AM as scientific and a preference for eminence-based approaches (p < 0.001). In our sample, we demonstrate how differences in specific socioeconomic and psychological factors correspond to differences in attitudes toward CAM and AM. These findings represent a promising foundation for more interdisciplinary research aimed at uncovering the underlying drivers of AM and CAM utilization.
Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) are common in children and often persist despite conventional treatments, leading families to seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). However, evidence for CAM in pediatric DGBI is scarce. This multicenter survey study assessed parents' and pediatricians' experiences with and attitudes toward CAM for children with gastrointestinal symptoms. Parents and pediatricians of children (0-18 years) with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and DGBI (infant colic (IC), functional abdominal pain, and functional constipation) from six Dutch hospitals were included. GERD diagnosis was based on international guidelines, DGBI on Rome IV criteria. Parental surveys addressed child health, medication, (reasons for) CAM use, and attitudes toward CAM research. Pediatricians' surveys covered experiences and attitudes toward CAM for pediatric DGBI. A total of 677 parents (71%) and 76 pediatricians (79%) responded. Most patients had functional constipation (45%) or abdominal pain (41%), with 8% IC and 6% GERD. Seventy-one percent had symptoms for over a year; 58% used medication, and 49% reported side effects. Overall, 42% of patients used CAM, mainly manual therapies, homeopathy, and natural remedies. Predictors of CAM use included IC, longer symptom duration, higher household income, and positive parental CAM experience. Among pediatricians, 53% recommended CAM. Pediatricians with over 15 years' experience were less likely to recommend CAM. Sixty-five percent of parents were willing to participate in CAM research.  CAM use is common among children with DGBI or GERD, and over half of pediatricians have recommended CAM, underscoring the need for efficacy studies of frequently used CAM. • Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is commonly used among pediatric patients with gastrointestinal symptoms but often excluded in evidence-based guidelines due to insufficient evidence. • Previous research has examined perspectives of patients and families, with limited insight into pediatricians' recommendations. • In Dutch hospitals, 42% of children with infant colic, reflux, abdominal pain, or constipation used CAM. Most pediatricians (52.6%) recommended some CAM to these patients. • Predictors for CAM use include infant colic, longer symptom duration, positive parental CAM experience, and higher income; pediatricians with > 15 years' experience were less likely to recommend CAM. Parental interest in CAM research is high (65%).
This study aimed to assess the awareness, perception, and utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among Korean patients with cancer and their caregivers. Furthermore, it evaluated CAM information sources, the reliability of these sources, communication patterns with clinicians, and the effect of caregiver beliefs on the use of CAM and patients' attitudes toward CAM. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2021 to January 2022 across 19 hospitals in South Korea. Adult patients with cancer and their accompanying caregivers were recruited via convenience sampling from outpatient oncology clinics and inpatient settings and completed a structured questionnaire. Data from 1,804 patients and 768 family members were analyzed using descriptive statistics and appropriate comparative tests. Among patients, 47.2% had heard of CAM, and 41.0% expressed belief in it. Biologically based therapies were the most commonly used form of CAM among users (55.0%). The primary sources of CAM information were family/relatives (24.8%) and television (23.8%), whereas medical professionals accounted for only 5.4% of sources, although doctors and nurses were perceived as the most reliable (mean reliability: 3.43 on a 5-point scale). A significant communication gap was observed, with 71.7% of patients not discussing CAM with their medical professionals. Common reasons for non-disclosure included a lack of patient interest (39.4% of non-disclosers), the perception that CAM was irrelevant to their doctors (27.6%), and concerns about physician disapproval. Among patients who did consult their clinicians, 60.8% were advised against CAM use. Caregivers' CAM beliefs significantly influenced patients' beliefs (odds ratio [OR], 4.242; p<0.001), although this did not translate into a statistically significant direct effect on CAM use by patients (OR, 1.449; p=0.105). CAM awareness and use are substantial among Korean patients with cancer; however, a critical communication gap with healthcare providers persists. Family members are key information sources, and caregiver beliefs influence patient beliefs regarding CAM. Proactive, empathetic, and evidence-based communication about CAM is essential to promote shared decision-making and ensure safe, patient-centered integrative cancer care.
Research on complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) continues to grow. Bibliometric analyses (BAs) are valuable to assess research trends, identify gaps, and understand the evolution of a body of literature, yet there are no systematic or scoping reviews on how these BAs are conducted. This scoping review aimed to systematically review and summarize BAs on CAIM literature to inform and guide future bibliometric studies in this field and beyond. A scoping review was conducted in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, AMED, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to the date of the search on January 5, 2023. Eligible articles were BAs of the CAIM literature. Screening and data extraction were completed independently and in duplicate by at least two reviewers, with findings summarized descriptively. The review included 286 articles published between 1995 and 2023, with approximately 75% published in the last 5 years. Studies were conducted in 36 countries, with China (50%) leading in contributions. All articles used performance analysis techniques, whereas 80% also used science-mapping techniques. The most commonly used performance analysis metrics were "total publications" (98%) and "total citations" (67%). Co-word (63%) and co-authorship (55%) analysis were the most common science mapping techniques. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were the predominant visualization softwares employed. This review demonstrates large methodological diversity in the conduct of CAIM bibliometrics. As a result of this variability, future research should focus on developing uniform methodologies and incorporating diverse metrics and alternative data sources to enhance the reliability and reproducibility of BAs in the CAIM field.
To systematically evaluate the effects of various complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) non-pharmacological therapies on fatigue levels, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine indicators in chronic fatigue-like conditions animal models, and to rank the efficacy of these interventions. A computerized search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBMdisc, to collect animal experiments on fatigue-like conditions treated with CAM non-pharmacological therapies published from the establishment of the databases to January 14, 2026. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Stata 16.0 software was used for network meta-analysis, and SYRCLE's risk of bias tool was employed to evaluate the quality of the included studies. A total of 77 studies involving nine types of CAM non-pharmacological therapies were included. In terms of improving fatigue levels, compared to the control group, electroacupuncture (MD = 347.00 s, 95% CI [144.70, 549.29]) and moxibustion (MD = 311.28 s, 95% CI [146.36, 476.20]) significantly prolonged exhaustive swimming time. In terms of improving oxidative stress damage, fire acupuncture (MD = -13.15 nmol/ml, 95% CI [-18.06, -8.24]), manual acupuncture (MD = -3.85 nmol/ml, 95% CI [-5.12, -2.58]), needle-pricking (MD = -11.43 nmol/ml, 95% CI [-16.54, -6.32]), and moxibustion (MD = -479.16 nmol/ml, 95% CI [-567.05, -391.27]) significantly reduced MDA levels. In terms of improving inflammatory damage, Tuina (MD = -552.03 pg/ml, 95% CI [-700.81, -403.25]) and electroacupuncture (MD = -156.59 pg/ml, 95% CI [-259.85, -53.34]) can significantly reduce the level of IL-1β. In terms of regulating endocrine, electroacupuncture (MD = -9.91 pg/ml, 95% CI [-14.77, -5.05]) and Tuina (MD = -16.96 pg/ml, 95% CI [-25.37, -8.55]) can significantly reduce the level of CRH. Non-pharmacological therapies in complementary and alternative medicine have great potential in improving fatigue-related phenotypes, oxidative stress damage, inflammatory damage, and regulating endocrine levels in animal models of fatigue-like conditions. Future research should focus on developing animal models that better replicate the pathogenesis and core characteristics of CFS, and then extend them to randomized controlled trials involving CFS patients to verify the transformation potential. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD420251177070.
Many cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), often seeking a more holistic approach. This study explored whether patients have different communication expectations for oncologists and any professional provider of CAM. Patients attending CAM consultations at an integrative counseling unit of a German university hospital completed a standardized questionnaire. Most reported significant limitations in daily life due to cancer. Common motivations for CAM use included reducing side effects and supporting conventional treatment. Overall, patients expressed similar expectations for both oncologists and CAM providers regarding physician attitude, consultation behavior, and preferred topics. Respectful and honest behavior during medical consultations was most valued. Despite differing therapeutic goals between CAM and conventional medicine, patients did not differentiate in their communication needs. They valued honesty, trustworthiness, time for questions, and a clear treatment plan-regardless the provider's medical background. These findings suggest that cancer survivors seek concrete, evidence-based dialogue and consistent interpersonal qualities across disciplines. Communication preferences appear shaped more by interaction quality than by medical system. Patients want to feel heard, respected, and informed, whether consulting a conventional oncologist or a CAM provider. This underscores the importance of unified communication standards in oncology care and highlights shared expectations patients hold across treatment approaches.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used by oncology patients to manage symptoms, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. Unlike conventional treatments, CAM is rarely reimbursed in Germany, resulting in significant out-of-pocket costs. These expenses may contribute to financial burden and financial toxicity, yet this dimension remains understudied. This multicenter, open-label, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024. A standardized anonymous questionnaire collected demographic, socioeconomic, and medical data, CAM utilization, out-of-pocket expenditures, and distress levels (NCCN Distress Thermometer). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Pearson correlations, and independent t-tests were applied. A total of 209 patients (median age 62.6 years, 52.6% female) participated; 57.4% reported CAM use. Female patients were more likely than males to use CAM (p < 0.001). Among CAM users, 71.7% incurred out-of-pocket expenses, averaging €124/month for women and €153/month for men. Expenditures were highest among patients with hematological malignancies (€229/month). A strong positive correlation was observed between the number of CAM modalities used and monthly costs (p < 0.001). No significant difference in distress was found between CAM users and non-users; however, female CAM users reported lower distress than their male counterparts (p < 0.05). CAM use is common among German oncology patients and generates substantial out-of-pocket costs, particularly in vulnerable subgroups. When combined with cancer-related income loss, these expenditures increase financial burden and may contribute to financial toxicity. Integrative oncology models, reimbursement strategies, and patient counseling are essential to mitigate economic vulnerability and ensure equitable access to supportive care.
Complementary medicine (CM), as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses diverse health practices that are not fully integrated into conventional medical systems. Capturing physicians' knowledge and attitudes toward CM are fundamental for its safe and evidence-based incorporation into patient care. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of complementary medicine (CM) among primary healthcare physicians in Qatar. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among physicians employed at the Primary Health Care Corporation in Qatar. Data was collected between November 2023 and January 2024 using a validated, self-administered online questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, CM knowledge, attitudes, and utilization patterns. Of 106 respondents, only 22.6% reported attending a formal CM educational activity, yet 79.2% expressed interest in receiving such training. Physicians reported the greatest comfort in advising on spiritual healing (20.8%), Hijama (17.9%), massage therapy (14.2%), and meditation (14.2%). Overall, 80.2% indicated discussing CM benefits with patients, reflecting generally positive attitudes toward CM integration despite limited formal education. Primary healthcare physicians in Qatar exhibit favorable attitudes toward CM and engage patients in related discussions; however, substantial knowledge gaps persist. The strong interest in CM training suggests the need for structured, culturally relevant, and evidence-based educational programs to ensure safe integration of CM into clinical practice. Future research should explore the impact of targeted CM education on physician decision-making and patient outcomes. Primary healthcare physicians in Qatar exhibit favorable attitudes toward CM and engage patients in related discussions; however, substantial knowledge gaps persist. The strong interest in CM training suggests the need for structured, culturally relevant, and evidence-based educational programs to ensure safe integration of CM into clinical practice. Future research should explore the impact of targeted CM education on physician decision-making and patient outcomes.
This cross-sectional study examines the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Riyadh. A survey was conducted among 151 multiple sclerosis patients enrolled at the neurology clinics of two hospitals in Riyadh (KSUMC and KFMC). The study indicated that a significant majority of respondents (60.93%) used complementary and alternative medicine, demonstrating a pronounced preference for religious-spiritual modalities, including Islamic ruqyah and cupping therapy, in addition to other practices such as massage, oils, dietary supplements, honey, and herbal remedies. The findings underscore the importance of symptom alleviation, optimism about a cure or a delay in disease progression, and social sources of support (from family, healthcare professionals, and the media) in driving decisions to use CAM. The results showed an association between educational level, marital status, and CAM use. Additionally, many patients did not disclose their CAM use to their physicians or pharmacists, either because they perceived it as insignificant or because they did not receive sufficient prompting to disclose it. This highlights the need for more proactive, non‑judgmental communication from healthcare practitioners about CAM, as well as targeted training to improve patients' understanding of potential interactions between CAM and conventional treatments.
Although complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices are widely used across the US population, population-level associations with mortality remain understudied. This study examined exploratory associations between CAM use patterns and all-cause mortality among US adults. Data from the National Health Interview Survey (2007/2012, N=55,023) were linked to mortality through 2019 (5,530 deaths; 472,636.5 person-years). This analysis examined 21 specific CAM modalities, CAM usage intensity, recency of use, and theoretically and empirically derived domains using Cox proportional hazards models with hierarchical covariate adjustment, Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate correction, and exploratory subgroup analyses. 43.2% of adults engaged in 1+ CAM practice. After full adjustment and FDR correction, yoga (HR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.62-0.87) and Pilates (HR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.49-0.85) were associated with lower mortality. Each additional CAM practice was associated with 6% lower mortality (HR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.92-0.96). Recent users had lower mortality than past-only users (HR=0.79 vs. 0.90), and multiple practice users showed the strongest association (HR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.68-0.86). Exploratory subgroup analyses revealed suggestive but largely non-robust patterns. Most individual CAM modalities showed null associations with mortality, but yoga and Pilates demonstrated inverse associations that persisted after adjustment and FDR correction, and broader measures of CAM engagement consistently indicated lower mortality risk. Whether these associations reflect CAM-specific benefits or general physical activity and health-conscious selection warrants further investigation.
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies is becoming increasingly popular among patients with cancer; however, referrals to CAM by oncologists remain infrequent. There is limited synthesis of oncologists' perspectives on CAM use and referral practices, despite availability of empirical studies with inconsistent findings. This scoping review aims to map the literature regarding oncologists' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors toward CAM, with a specific focus on factors influencing referral practices. We conducted a scoping literature review in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. The protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from January 1, 1990, to February 2026. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed articles examining oncologists' perspectives on CAM use for adults with cancer. Out of 11,853 studies identified, 13 studies were included. Three domains were structured: Commonly referred CAM categories (natural products, mind-body practices, whole medical system, manipulative and body-based therapies, and creative art therapies); views of oncologists on CAM use (presuppositions about CAM integration, information sources and personal use, gender differences, role of workplace in CAM referral, self-reported spirituality and personal beliefs, and facilitators and barriers to CAM referral. While oncologists expressed willingness to integrate CAM for curable cancers, educational, evidence-related, and safety-driven barriers continued to impede their referral decisions. Future research should focus on examining the specific nature of barriers to practitioner collaboration and ways to address the gaps identified in the current evidence base.
To provide an overview of interventions developed to facilitate dialogue about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) between patients with cancer and health care professionals in routine cancer practice. Following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, nine databases were systematically searched for publications presenting or evaluating interventions that facilitate CAM-related communication in cancer care. Data were extracted on intervention type, target group, delivery format, evaluation methods, reported evaluation results and implementation experiences. Twenty-eight publications describing 16 distinct interventions were included. Interventions targeted patients, health care professionals, or both, and were categorized into four main types: educational programs for professionals, educational materials for patients, in-consultation dialogue tools, and online patient resources. Evaluation was frequent but quantitative outcome measures were often limited to short-term, self-developed outcome measures. Potential facilitators to implementation included professionals' positive attitude towards CAM, and tailoring the intervention to the context. Barriers included lack of time and concerns about potential negative consequences of raising the topic. Interventions aiming to facilitate CAM dialogue in routine cancer care are diverse. When evaluated quantitatively, they were often assessed using non-validated, self-developed outcome measures. More robust research using validated tools is needed to assess impact and inform implementation in clinical practice. This review highlights several possible approaches to facilitating dialogue about CAM in cancer care. Depending on local needs and resources, strategies such as professional education, communication tools, or patient information materials may be adapted to support open discussion. Future studies should examine how these approaches can be evaluated and implemented in real-world settings.
BACKGROUND: The interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased during the past decade and the attitude of the general public is mainly positive, but the debate about the clinical effectiveness of these therapies remains controversial among many medical professionals. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the existing literature utilizing different databases, including PubMed/Medline, PSYNDEX, and PsycLit, to research the use and acceptance of CAM among the general population and medical personnel. A special focus on CAM-referring literature was set by limiting the PubMed search to "Complementary Medicine" and adding two other search engines: CAMbase (www.cambase.de) and CAMRESEARCH (www.camresearch.net). These engines were used to reveal publications that at the time of the review were not indexed in PubMed. RESULTS: A total of 16 papers met the scope criteria. Prevalence rates of CAM in each of the included studies were between 5% and 74.8%. We found a higher utilization of homeopathy and acupuncture in German-speaking countries. Excluding any form of spiritual prayer, the data demonstrate that chiropractic manipulation, herbal medicine, massage, and homeopathy were the therapies most commonly used by the general population. We identified sex, age, and education as predictors of CAM utilization: More users were women, middle aged, and more educated. The ailments most often associated with CAM utilization included back pain or pathology, depression, insomnia, severe headache or migraine, and stomach or intestinal illnesses. Medical students were the most critical toward CAM. Compared to students of other professions (ie, nursing students: 44.7%, pharmacy students: 18.2%), medical students reported the least consultation with a CAM practitioner (10%). CONCLUSIONS: The present data demonstrate an increase of CAM usage from 1990 through 2006 in all countries investigated. We found geographical differences, as well as differences between the general population and medical personnel.
CONTEXT: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by US adults increased substantially between 1990 and 1997, yet little is known about more recent trends. OBJECTIVE: Compare CAM therapy use by US adults in 2002 and 1997. DESIGN: Comparison of two national surveys of CAM use by US adults: (1) the Alternative Health/Complementary and Alternative Medicine supplement to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS, N = 31,044) and (2) a 1997 national survey (N = 2055), each containing questions about 15 common CAM therapies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence, sociodemographic correlates, and insurance coverage of CAM use. RESULTS: The most commonly used CAM modalities in 2002 were herbal therapy (18.6%, representing over 38 million US adults) followed by relaxation techniques (14.2%, representing 29 million US adults) and chiropractic (7.4%, representing 15 million US adults). Among CAM users, 41% used two or more CAM therapies during the prior year. Factors associated with highest rates of CAM use were ages 40-64, female gender, non-black/non-Hispanic race, and annual income of dollar 65,000 or higher. Overall CAM use for the 15 therapies common to both surveys was similar between 1997 and 2002 (36.5%, vs. 35.0%, respectively, each representing about 72 million US adults). The greatest relative increase in CAM use between 1997 and 2002 was seen for herbal medicine (12.1% vs.18.6%, respectively), and yoga (3.7% vs. 5.1%, respectively),while the largest relative decrease occurred for chiropractic (9.9% to 7.4%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CAM use has remained stable from 1997 to 2002. Over one in three respondents used CAM in the past year, representing about 72 million US adults.
Complementary therapies are gaining interest in palliative care. This study investigated the implementation of a complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) service on a palliative care unit of a Tertiary Care Center in Switzerland. This study aims to explore how health care professionals, patients, and family members perceive complementary medicine in specialized palliative care, identify related challenges and opportunities, and develop strategies for their effective and sustainable implementation into routine practice. In a first step, to check acceptability, in 2016, an interview study was carried out by conducting qualitative interviews with nurses, physicians and patients, and their relatives. In a second step, based on the results of the structured interviews, CIM experts developed complementary nursing interventions followed by an educational program and establishing CIM service on the ward. Eight nurses, six doctors, four patients, and three relatives were interviewed. The interviews revealed a generally positive attitude among all stakeholders with high acceptability. Key challenges faced by medical staff included time management, training needs, and interdisciplinary communication. Patients and relatives emphasized the need for CIM to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and enhance confidence in integrated care. The developed nursing interventions include selected measures (wraps/compresses and rhythmic embrocations) targeting common symptoms like pain, nausea, anxiety, and respiratory distress. To ensure quality control and sustainability, the concept also features an organizational framework, regular specialist training, and a detailed manual and accessible videos, along with guidelines for documentation and quality assurance. Medical professionals, patients, and relatives viewed the implementation of complementary nursing interventions as beneficial for enhancing symptom management in palliative care. Establishing appropriate framework conditions based on current implementation research is essential, and further research on effectiveness and long-term implementation is needed.
High-quality and transparent reporting is fundamental to the credibility, reproducibility, and impact of health research. While widely endorsed reporting guidelines such as CONSORT and PRISMA have improved reporting across many fields, traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) research presents distinctive conceptual, methodological, and contextual challenges that are not always adequately addressed by general frameworks. In response, a growing number of TCIM-specific reporting guidelines have been developed over the past two decades. This manuscript provides a structured compendium of all 30 reporting guidelines listed on the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) Network under the clinical area labelled "Complementary and Alternative Medicine" as of March 2026. The compendium summarizes each reporting guideline's scope, study design focus, TCIM modality, relationship to established parent reporting guidelines where applicable, and methodological strengths and weaknesses. The identified reporting guidelines span a wide range of research domains, including randomized trials, protocols, systematic reviews, case reports, case series, clinical practice guidelines, and basic research, and encompass modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, massage, moxibustion, cupping, biofield therapies, and reflexology. By consolidating these resources in a single, accessible overview, this compendium aims to support researchers, journal editors, and peer reviewers in identifying and applying appropriate TCIM-specific reporting guidance, thereby strengthening the transparency, consistency, and overall quality of TCIM research.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients has increased, yet limited research has examined how patient behaviors, clinician perspectives, and communication patterns intersect within the same clinical environment. This scoping review examines the prevalence and types of CAM used by cancer patients, evaluates oncologists' knowledge and attitudes toward CAM, and identifies communication factors shaping disclosure and clinical decision-making in conventional oncology care. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this review included peer-reviewed studies assessing CAM use among adult cancer patients, clinician perspectives, or patient-physician communication. Eligible studies included surveys, observational studies, systematic reviews, and clinical reports. Included studies demonstrated that approximately 40% of cancer patients reported using CAM, with common modalities including herbal products, nutraceuticals, probiotics, and mind-body therapies. Non-disclosure rates varied considerably, with many patients refraining from discussing CAM use because of concerns about negative provider reactions or limited consultation time. On the clinician side, key barriers included limited formal training in CAM and uncertainty regarding the quality of supporting evidence. Evidence also demonstrated communication gaps and discordance between patient motivations and clinician concerns related to treatment safety and herb-drug interactions. CAM use remains prevalent in oncology and is shaped by patient beliefs, cultural factors, and clinical communication. Variability in study methods and definitions limits cross-study comparisons. Enhancing clinician education, fostering open communication, and conducting institutional assessments may improve the safe and informed integration of CAM into oncology practice.