Use of acupuncture among chronic disease patients attending primary healthcare facilities: a cross-sectional study in Korea.

Background: Given the crucial role of integrating acupuncture treatment into primary care for managing chronic diseases, this study endeavors to identify the utilization of acupuncture among chronic disease patients seeking primary care services in Korea. Additionally, it aims to evaluate their knowledge level and perceptions related to acupuncture use.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among chronic disease patients attending a primary care clinic in Korea.

Safety classification of herbal medicine use among hypertensive patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The use of herbal medicines (HMs) for the treatment of hypertension (HTN) is increasing globally, but research on the potential adverse effects and safety of HMs in HTN patients is limited. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to determine the global prevalence of HM usage among HTN patients and assess the safety of identified herbs based on current scientific evidence.

Methods: The PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE (Ovid), and Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases were searched for cross-sectional studies on the use of HM among HTN patients.

Patient-physician communication on herbal medicine use during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Lack of transparent communication between patients and physicians regarding the use of herbal medicine (HM) presents a major public health challenge, as inappropriate HM use poses health risks. Considering the widespread use of HM and the risk of adverse events, it is crucial for pregnant women to openly discuss their HM use with healthcare providers. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to estimate the pooled prevalence of pregnant women's HM use and disclosure to healthcare providers and to examine the relationship between HM disclosure and various maternal and child health (MCH) measures.

Assessing the safety and use of medicinal herbs during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study in São Paulo, Brazil.

Despite the lack of evidence supporting the safety and clinical efficacy of herbal medicine (HM), its use among pregnant women continues to increase. Given the high prevalence of contraindicated herbs among the pregnant population in Brazil, it is crucial to examine the use of HM and evaluate its safety based on the current scientific literature to ensure that women are using HM appropriately. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 at a public teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil.

Use of Herbal Medicines Among Breastfeeding Mothers in Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

There are limited data on the use of herbal medicines (HM) among breastfeeding mothers, despite the fact that knowledge of the possible benefits or harms of HM use has a direct relationship with the health of infants, especially in resource-limited countries. The study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with HM use among breastfeeding mothers in Tanzania. The study followed a cross-sectional design using a structured survey questionnaire.

Disclosure of herbal medicine use to health care providers among pregnant women in Nepal: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Pregnant women's disclosure of herbal medicine (HM) use to their health care providers during pregnancy is crucial, as misuse of HM can have a detrimental effect on both pregnant woman and the fetus. However, the lack of disclosure of HM use to physicians remains a public health concern in developing countries such as Nepal.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 postpartum women admitted at Maternity and Women's Hospital located in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among outpatients during the 2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The 2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea was the largest event outside of the Middle East. Under such circumstances, individuals tend to resort to non-conventional solutions such as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to manage health. Thus, this study aims to examine characteristics of CAM use among outpatients in a community hospital setting during the 2015 MERS outbreak and to assess potential predictors of CAM use during the epidemic.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among infertile women attending infertility specialty clinics in South Korea: does perceived severity matter?

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among infertile women is popular in many countries, including Korea. Previous research has repeatedly found more than half of infertile women surveyed use CAM therapies for fertility enhancement and overall well-being. However, there is currently little evidence to support this practice, and this raises the question of infertile women's experiences in the uptake of those modalities and sociodemographic and psychological factors associated with CAM use.