• Alternative mind-body therapies used by adults with medical conditions

    Type Journal Article
    Author Suzanne M Bertisch
    Author Christina C Wee
    Author Russell S Phillips
    Author Ellen P McCarthy
    Abstract OBJECTIVE: Mind-body therapies (MBT) are used by 16.6% of adults in the United States. Little is known about the patterns of and reasons for use of MBT by adults with common medical conditions. METHODS: We analyzed data on MBT use from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey Alternative Medicine Supplement (n=31,044). MBT included relaxation techniques (deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation), yoga, tai chi, and qigong. To identify medical conditions associated with use of MBT overall and of individual MBT, we used multivariable models adjusted for sociodemographic factors, insurance status, and health habits. Among users of MBT (n=5170), we assessed which medical conditions were most frequently treated with MBT, additional rationale for using MBT, and perceived helpfulness. RESULTS: We found a positive association between MBT use and several medical conditions including various pain syndromes and anxiety/depression. Among adults using MBT to treat specific medical conditions, MBT was most commonly used for anxiety/depression and musculoskeletal pain syndromes. More than 50% of respondents used MBT in conjunction with conventional medical care, and 20% used MBT for conditions they thought conventional medicine would not help. Overall, we found high rates (68-90%) of perceived helpfulness of MBT for specific medical conditions. DISCUSSION: MBT is commonly used by patients with prevalent medical conditions. Further research is needed to determine the reasons for widespread use of MBT for treatment of specific medical conditions and to evaluate the efficacy of MBT.
    Publication Journal of Psychosomatic Research
    Volume 66
    Issue 6
    Pages 511-519
    Date Jun 2009
    Journal Abbr J Psychosom Res
    DOI 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2008.12.003
    ISSN 1879-1360
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19446710
    Accessed Mon Nov 2 12:59:16 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 19446710
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011

    Tags:

    • Adolescent
    • Adult
    • Aged
    • Anxiety Disorders
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Depressive Disorder
    • Female
    • Health Status
    • Humans
    • Male
    • Meditation
    • Middle Aged
    • Psychophysiology
    • Young Adult

    Notes:

    • Objective: Mind-body therapies (MBT) are used by 16.6% of adults in the United States. Little is known about the patterns of and reasons for use of MBT by adults with common medical conditions. Methods: We analyzed data on MBT use from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey Alternative Medicine Supplement (n=31,044). MBT included relaxation techniques (deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation), yoga, tai chi, and qigong. To identify medical conditions associated with use of MBT overall and of individual MBT, we used multivariable models adjusted for sociodemographic factors, insurance status, and health habits. Among users of MBT (n=5170), we assessed which medical conditions were most frequently treated with MBT, additional rationale for using MBT, and perceived helpfulness. Results: We found a positive association between MBT use and several medical conditions including various pain syndromes and anxiety/depression. Among adults using MBT to treat specific medical conditions, MBT was most commonly used for anxiety/depression and musculoskeletal pain syndromes. More than 50% of respondents used MBT in conjunction with conventional medical care, and 20% used MBT for conditions they thought conventional medicine would not help. Overall, we found high rates (68-90%) of perceived helpfulness of MBT for specific medical conditions. Discussion: MBT is commonly used by patients with prevalent medical conditions. Further research is needed to determine the reasons for widespread use of MBT for treatment of specific medical conditions and to evaluate the efficacy of MBT.

  • Ethical issues in end-of-life geriatric care: the approach of three monotheistic religions-Judaism, Catholicism, and Islam

    Type Journal Article
    Author A Mark Clarfield
    Author Michael Gordon
    Author Hazel Markwell
    Author Shabbir M H Alibhai
    Abstract Ethical dilemmas pervade modern geriatric medicine. What is considered right or wrong will differ depending on, among other things, the patient's religion. The three Abrahamic monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity (its Catholic variant), and Islam all have carefully considered positions on medical ethics. Although much is held in common, there are significant differences. The authors present three clinical cases, each of which presents ethical dilemmas typical of geriatric care, especially at the end of life. On the basis of these scenarios, the normative ethical position of each religion is compared and contrasted. It is hoped that this approach will offer the geriatrician a useful approach to treating patients in an increasingly multicultural society.
    Publication Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
    Volume 51
    Issue 8
    Pages 1149-1154
    Date Aug 2003
    Journal Abbr J Am Geriatr Soc
    ISSN 0002-8614
    Short Title Ethical issues in end-of-life geriatric care
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/12890081
    Accessed Mon Nov 2 13:42:48 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 12890081
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011

    Tags:

    • Aged
    • Catholicism
    • Ethics, Medical
    • Geriatrics
    • Humans
    • ISLAM
    • Judaism
    • Religion and Medicine
    • Terminal Care

    Notes:

    • Ethical dilemmas pervade modern geriatric medicine. What is considered right or wrong will differ depending on, among other things, the patient’s religion. The three Abrahamic monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity (its Catholic variant), and Islam all have carefully considered positions on medical ethics. Although much is held in common, there are significant differences. The authors present three clinical cases, each of which presents ethical dilemmas typical of geriatric care, especially at the end of life. On the basis of these scenarios, the normative ethical position of each religion is compared and contrasted. It is hoped that this approach will offer the geriatrician a useful approach to treating patients in an increasingly multicultural society.

  • Medicine, Modernization, and Cultural Crisis in China and India

    Type Journal Article
    Author Ralph C. Croizier
    Publication Comparative Studies in Society and History
    Volume 12
    Issue 3
    Pages 275-291
    Date Jul., 1970
    ISSN 00104175
    URL http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.bu.edu/stable/178238
    Accessed Mon Oct 12 23:22:36 2009
    Library Catalog JSTOR
    Extra ArticleType: primary_article / Full publication date: Jul., 1970 / Copyright © 1970 Society for Comparative Studies in Society and History
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011

    Tags:

    • Medicine, Ayurvedic
    • Medicine, Oriental
  • Spirituality, psychiatry and participation: a cultural analysis

    Type Journal Article
    Author Simon Dein
    Abstract This article begins by asking whether religion and spirituality are useful terms for cross-cultural comparisons. After discussing the increasing distinction between religion and spirituality in Western cultures, it points out how the terms religion and spirituality are used in divergent ways in the literature and the need for conceptual clarification in this area. Broadly, spirituality relates to interconnectedness, ultimate meaning or life force itself. The current use of the term spirituality in Western cultures derives both from Christian spirituality and 'New Age' thinking, which often appropriates ideas from Eastern religious traditions. The sociocultural roots of this division are complex, involving both growth of individualism, the pursuit of meaning and discontent with materialism and scientific rationalism. This situation is contrasted with other monotheistic religions where there is no distinction between religion and spirituality. This turn to spirituality has influenced health care professionals' conceptualizations of health and healing. The implications for psychiatry are discussed. I conclude that spirituality is a way of 'being in the world' and shares affinities with Tambiah's notion of a participatory mode of thinking.
    Publication Transcultural Psychiatry
    Volume 42
    Issue 4
    Pages 526-544
    Date Dec 2005
    Journal Abbr Transcult Psychiatry
    ISSN 1363-4615
    Short Title Spirituality, psychiatry and participation
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16570516
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 15:44:57 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 16570516
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011

    Tags:

    • Attitude to Health
    • Culture
    • Humans
    • Patient Participation
    • Psychiatry
    • Religion and Psychology
    • spirituality

    Notes:

    • This article begins by asking whether religion and spirituality are useful terms for cross-cultural comparisons. After discussing the increasing distinction between religion and spirituality in Western cultures, it points out how the terms religion and spirituality are used in divergent ways in the literature and the need for conceptual clarification in this area. Broadly, spirituality relates to interconnectedness, ultimate meaning or life force itself. The current use of the term spirituality in Western cultures derives both from Christian spirituality and ‘New Age’ thinking, which often appropriates ideas from Eastern religious traditions. The sociocultural roots of this division are complex, involving both growth of individualism, the pursuit of meaning and discontent with materialism and scientific rationalism. This situation is contrasted with other monotheistic religions where there is no distinction between religion and spirituality. This turn to spirituality has influenced health care professionals’ conceptualizations of health and healing. The implications for psychiatry are discussed. I conclude that spirituality is a way of ‘being in the world’ and shares affinities with Tambiah’s notion of a participatory mode of thinking.

  • Unconventional Medicine in the United States -- Prevalence, Costs, and Patterns of Use

    Type Journal Article
    Author David M. Eisenberg
    Author Ronald C. Kessler
    Author Cindy Foster
    Author Frances E. Norlock
    Author David R. Calkins
    Author Thomas L. Delbanco
    Abstract Background Many people use unconventional therapies for health problems, but the extent of this use and the costs are not known. We conducted a national survey to determine the prevalence, costs, and patterns of use of unconventional therapies, such as acupuncture and chiropractic. Methods We limited the therapies studied to 16 commonly used interventions neither taught widely in U.S. medical schools nor generally available in U.S. hospitals. We completed telephone interviews with 1539 adults (response rate, 67 percent) in a national sample of adults 18 years of age or older in 1990. We asked respondents to report any serious or bothersome medical conditions and details of their use of conventional medical services; we then inquired about their use of unconventional therapy. Results One in three respondents (34 percent) reported using at least one unconventional therapy in the past year, and a third of these saw providers for unconventional therapy. The latter group had made an average of 19 visits to such providers during the preceding year, with an average charge per visit of $27.60. The frequency of use of unconventional therapy varied somewhat among sociodemographic groups, with the highest use reported by nonblack persons from 25 to 49 years of age who had relatively more education and higher incomes. The majority used unconventional therapy for chronic, as opposed to life-threatening, medical conditions. Among those who used unconventional therapy for serious medical conditions, the vast majority (83 percent) also sought treatment for the same condition from a medical doctor; however, 72 percent of the respondents who used unconventional therapy did not inform their medical doctor that they had done so. Extrapolation to the U.S. population suggests that in 1990 Americans made an estimated 425 million visits to providers of unconventional therapy. This number exceeds the number of visits to all U.S. primary care physicians (388 million). Expenditures associated with use of unconventional therapy in 1990 amounted to approximately $13.7 billion, three quarters of which ($10.3 billion) was paid out of pocket. This figure is comparable to the $12.8 billion spent out of pocket annually for all hospitalizations in the United States. Conclusions The frequency of use of unconventional therapy in the United States is far higher than previously reported. Medical doctors should ask about their patients' use of unconventional therapy whenever they obtain a medical history.
    Publication New England Journal of Medicine
    Volume 328
    Issue 4
    Pages 246-252
    Date January 28, 1993
    DOI 10.1056/NEJM199301283280406
    URL http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/328/4/246
    Accessed Mon Sep 7 11:01:36 2009
    Library Catalog HighWire
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011

    Notes:

    • Background: Many people use unconventional therapies for health problems, but the extent of this use and the costs are not known. We conducted a national survey to determine the prevalence, costs, and patterns of use of unconventional therapies, such as acupuncture and chiropractic. Methods: We limited the therapies studied to 16 commonly used interventions neither taught widely in U.S. medical schools nor generally available in U.S. hospitals. We completed telephone interviews with 1539 adults (response rate, 67 percent) in a national sample of adults 18 years of age or older in 1990. We asked respondents to report any serious or bothersome medical conditions and details of their use of conventional medical services; we then inquired about their use of unconventional therapy. Results: One in three respondents (34 percent) reported using at least one unconventional therapy in the past year, and a third of these saw providers for unconventional therapy. The latter group had made an average of 19 visits to such providers during the preceding year, with an average charge per visit of $27.60. The frequency of use of unconventional therapy varied somewhat among sociodemographic groups, with the highest use reported by nonblack persons from 25 to 49 years of age who had relatively more education and higher incomes. The majority used unconventional therapy for chronic, as opposed to life-threatening, medical conditions. Among those who used unconventional therapy for serious medical conditions, the vast majority (83 percent) also sought treatment for the same condition from a medical doctor; however, 72 percent of the respondents who used unconventional therapy did not inform their medical doctor that they had done so. Extrapolation to the U.S. population suggests that in 1990 Americans made an estimated 425 million visits to providers of unconventional therapy. This number exceeds the number of visits to all U.S. primary care physicians (388 million). Expenditures associated with use of unconventional therapy in 1990 amounted to approximately $13.7 billion, three quarters of which ($10.3 billion) was paid out of pocket. This figure is comparable to the $12.8 billion spent out of pocket annually for all hospitalizations in the United States. Conclusions: The frequency of use of unconventional therapy in the United States is far higher than previously reported. Medical doctors should ask about their patients’ use of unconventional therapy whenever they obtain a medical history.

  • Religion and Sexual Health: Ethical, Theological, and Clinical Perspectives

    Type Book
    Editor R.M. Green
    Series Theology and Medicine
    Publisher Springer
    Date 2010-12-10
    ISBN 9048141605
    Short Title Religion and Sexual Health
    Library Catalog Amazon.com
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 08:58:27 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 08:58:27 2011
  • Neo-Pagan patients' preferences regarding physician discussion of spirituality

    Type Journal Article
    Author Jennifer L Hamilton
    Author Jeffrey P Levine
    Publication Family Medicine
    Volume 38
    Issue 2
    Pages 83-84
    Date Feb 2006
    Journal Abbr Fam Med
    ISSN 0742-3225
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16450223
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 15:36:58 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 16450223
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011

    Tags:

    • Attitude to Health
    • Data Collection
    • Humans
    • Patient Satisfaction
    • Physician-Patient Relations
    • Physician's Role
    • Questionnaires
    • religion
    • spirituality
  • Traditional Hawaiian Healing Arts Enrich Conventional Medical Practices

    Type Journal Article
    Author Sala Horowitz
    Publication Alternative & Complementary Therapies
    Volume 7
    Issue 2
    Pages 68-73
    Date 2001-04-01
    ISSN 1076-2809
    Library Catalog Open WorldCat
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
  • On Being Human: Where Ethics, Medicine, and Spirituality Converge

    Type Book
    Author Daisaku Ikeda
    Author René Simard
    Author Guy Bourgeault
    Place Santa Monica, Calif
    Publisher Middleway Press
    Date 2003
    ISBN 0972326715
    Short Title On Being Human
    Library Catalog library.bu.edu.ezproxy.bu.edu Library Catalog
    Call Number BQ4570.M4 I324 2003
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011

    Tags:

    • Bioethics
    • Buddhism
    • Doctrines
    • Health
    • Medical ethics
    • Religious aspects

    Notes:

    • This exploration of what it means to be healthy from a physical, mental, and spiritual standpoint discusses Western humanism, Japanese Buddhism, and modern science from three divergent, yet expert, perspectives. Seeking common ground through dialogue, this ambitious work broaches questions about issues that face today’s society, such as cancer, AIDS, death with dignity, in vitro fertilization, biomedical ethics, and more. The discussions cut through linguistic and cultural barriers to present a vision of the potential-and the inherent challenges-of being human. Avoiding scientific jargon, the book begins with a medical discussion of cancer and AIDS, as well as the problem of social discrimination against those infected. Questions about the fundamental nature of a harmonious existence are considered, as are specific issues such as the nature of brain death and ethical problems relating to fertility and childbirth. The origins of life, evolution, and the birth of humanity are also discussed.

  • Contemporary practices in Lakota healthcare

    Type Journal Article
    Author Stella Iron Cloud
    Author Raymond A Bucko
    Abstract OBJECTIVES: This article provides strategies for health care delivery for the Oglala Lakota on the Pine Ridge reservation of South Dakota. METHODS: Both authors relied on their field experience as well as health care literature for constructing this article. Stella Iron Cloud is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to attend to the internal heterogeneity of Oglala culture, differences across Native American groups, as well as changes over time. There is a consistent importance in acknowledging the importance of family, creating good relationships built on reciprocity in effective healthcare delivery, and respecting the close interrelationship between spirituality and healing and individual self-determination. One must also address with sensitivity many factors which cause poor health on the reservation.
    Publication Southern Medical Journal
    Volume 101
    Issue 6
    Pages 599-600
    Date Jun 2008
    Journal Abbr South. Med. J
    DOI 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e318172dd12
    ISSN 1541-8243
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18475237
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 18:56:51 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 18475237
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011

    Tags:

    • Cultural Characteristics
    • Delivery of Health Care
    • Health Behavior
    • Health promotion
    • Humans
    • Indians, North American
    • Life Style
    • Medicine, Traditional
    • Patient Care Team
    • Religion and Medicine
    • South Dakota
    • Spiritual Therapies
    • United States
    • United States Indian Health Service

    Notes:

    • Objectives This article provides strategies for health care delivery for the Oglala Lakota on the Pine Ridge reservation of South Dakota. Methods: Both authors relied on their field experience as well as health care literature for constructing this article. Stella Iron Cloud is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Conclusions: It is important to attend to the internal heterogeneity of Oglala culture, differences across Native American groups, as well as changes over time. There is a consistent importance in acknowledging the importance of family, creating good relationships built on reciprocity in effective healthcare delivery, and respecting the close interrelationship between spirituality and healing and individual self-determination. One must also address with sensitivity many factors which cause poor health on the reservation.

  • Learning activities to enhance research literacy in a CAM college curriculum

    Type Journal Article
    Author Kathie Lasater
    Author Sonya Salanti
    Author Susan Fleishman
    Author Joseph Coletto
    Author Hong Jin
    Author Roger Lore
    Author Richard Hammerschlag
    Abstract As complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies become increasingly accepted healthcare options, it is of major importance for CAM institutions to enhance research literacy and an evidence-based perspective in their curricula. A research education program for students and faculty at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM), developed in collaboration with the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing, has been supported by an R25 award from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). A key initiative of OCOM's grant is the design of learning activities that infuse a research perspective into nonresearch courses in both the traditional Chinese medicine and biomedicine curricula. This approach was pilot-tested in course sequences chosen from each of the 3 years of the master's degree program. Learner-centered activities included Infusing Evidence and Reflection Into Introductory Qigong Classes (Year 1: Qigong), Using Evidence to Inform Acupuncture Point Selection (Year 2: Point Actions and Indications), and Media and Research in Western Clinical Medicine (Year 3: Western Clinical Diagnosis). Among the lessons learned are the need to infuse learning activities into the curriculum in a manner that minimizes interactivity redundancy and reinforces learning, the importance for faculty to communicate to students the rationale for introducing the learning activities, and the value of creating a learning activity design template to guide faculty recognition of essential elements in design and evaluation and to provide sustainable overviews of the learning activities.
    Publication Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine
    Volume 15
    Issue 4
    Pages 46-54
    Date 2009 Jul-Aug
    Journal Abbr Altern Ther Health Med
    ISSN 1078-6791
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19623832
    Accessed Mon Nov 2 12:58:14 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 19623832
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011

    Tags:

    • Acupuncture
    • Biomedical Research
    • Breathing Exercises
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Curriculum
    • Education, Graduate
    • Evidence-Based Medicine
    • Humans
    • Learning
    • Medicine, Chinese Traditional
    • Oregon
    • Pilot Projects
    • Program Evaluation
    • Universities

    Notes:

    • As complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies become increasingly accepted healthcare options, it is of major importance for CAM institutions to enhance research literacy and an evidence-based perspective in their curricula. A research education program for students and faculty at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM), developed in collaboration with the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing, has been supported by an R25 award from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). A key initiative of OCOM’s grant is the design of learning activities that infuse a research perspective into nonresearch courses in both the traditional Chinese medicine and biomedicine curricula. This approach was pilot-tested in course sequences chosen from each of the 3 years of the master’s degree program. Learner-centered activities included Infusing Evidence and Reflection Into Introductory Qigong Classes (Year 1: Qigong), Using Evidence to Inform Acupuncture Point Selection (Year 2: Point Actions and Indications), and Media and Research in Western Clinical Medicine (Year 3: Western Clinical Diagnosis). Among the lessons learned are the need to infuse learning activities into the curriculum in a manner that minimizes interactivity redundancy and reinforces learning, the importance for faculty to communicate to students the rationale for introducing the learning activities, and the value of creating a learning activity design template to guide faculty recognition of essential elements in design and evaluation and to provide sustainable overviews of the learning activities.

  • Utilizing spiritual ecograms with Native American families and children to promote cultural competence in family therapy.

    Type Journal Article
    Author Gordon E. Limb
    Author David R. Hodge
    Abstract This study signifies an initial step at giving family therapists an important assessment tool as they seek to increase cultural competence with Native American families and children. To determine the relevancy and consistency of utilizing a spiritual ecogram assessment tool with Native Americans, 50 Native American participants, with extensive experience with this population, reviewed, rated, and gave feedback on its use. Although some limitations were noted, results showed that spiritual ecograms were moderately consistent with Native American culture and, if used properly, can help family therapists develop culturally appropriate interventions with Native American families and children. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)
    Publication Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
    Volume 37
    Issue 1
    Pages 81-94
    Date January 2011
    DOI 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2009.00163.x
    ISSN 0194-472X
    Library Catalog EBSCOhost
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 08:57:52 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 08:57:52 2011

    Tags:

    • American Indians
    • children
    • Cultural Competency
    • Family
    • Family Therapy
    • Native American families
    • SOCIAL skills
    • SOCIOCULTURAL factors
    • spiritual ecograms
    • Therapists
  • Developing Spiritual Competency With Native Americans: Promoting Wellness Through Balance and Harmony

    Type Journal Article
    Author GE Limb
    Author DR Hodge
    Abstract Native Americans tend to hold culturally unique beliefs about the origin of problems and the ways in which those problems can be ameliorated. For most Native American tribal communities, spirituality is interconnected with health and well-being. Accordingly, developing some degree of spiritual competency is essential for work with Native American clients. Consequently, this paper discusses the relationship between spirituality and health, highlighting the roles that balance and harmony play in fostering health and well-being in many tribal cultures. Also discussed are common spiritual beliefs and practices, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, areas of potential value conflict, and practice suggestions to enhance spiritual competency when working with Native Americans.
    Publication Families in Society - The Journal of Contemporary Social Services
    Volume 89
    Issue 4
    Pages 615-622
    Date OCT-DEC 2008
    DOI 10.1606/1044-3894.3816
    ISSN 1044-3894
    Short Title Developing Spiritual Competency With Native Americans
    URL http://apps.isiknowledge.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/full_record.do?
    product=WOS&search_mode=GeneralSearch&qid=1&…
    Accessed Fri Dec 4 16:19:44 2009
    Library Catalog ISI Web of Knowledge
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 09:05:21 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 09:05:21 2011
  • World medicine : the East West guide to healing your body

    Type Book
    Author Tom Monte
    Place New York NY
    Publisher Putnam Pub. Group
    Date 1993
    ISBN 9780874777338
    Short Title World medicine
    Library Catalog Open WorldCat
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
  • The measurement of body-mind-spirit well-being toward multidimensionality and transcultural applicability

    Type Journal Article
    Author S M Ng
    Author Josephine K Y Yau
    Author Cecilia L W Chan
    Author Celia H Y Chan
    Author David Y F Ho
    Abstract The Body-Mind-Spirit model of health promotion (Chan, Ho&Chow, 2002) guided the construction of a multidimensional inventory for assessing holistic health. Named Body-Mind-Spirit Well-Being Inventory (BMSWBI), it comprises four scales: Physical Distress, Daily Functioning, Affect, and Spirituality (differentiated from religiosity and conceived as ecumenical). Respondents (674 Chinese adults from Hong Kong) completed the BMSWBI via the Internet. Results indicate that all four scales have high reliability, with alpha coefficients ranging from .87 to .92, and concurrent validity. Factor analysis indicates that (a) positive and negative affect form two distinct factors; and (b) spirituality comprises three distinct aspects, tranquility, resistance to disorientation, and resilience. Spirituality is positively associated with mental well-being, positive affect, satisfaction with life, and hope; but negatively associated with negative affect and perceived stress. These results suggest that the inventory may be used to assess different dimensions of health satisfactorily.
    Publication Social Work in Health Care
    Volume 41
    Issue 1
    Pages 33-52
    Date 2005
    Journal Abbr Soc Work Health Care
    ISSN 0098-1389
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16048855
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 15:18:54 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 16048855
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011

    Tags:

    • Adolescent
    • Adult
    • Asian Continental Ancestry Group
    • Attitude to Health
    • China
    • Cross-Cultural Comparison
    • Female
    • Holistic Health
    • Hong Kong
    • Humans
    • Male
    • mental health
    • Middle Aged
    • Mind-Body Relations (Metaphysics)
    • Personal Satisfaction
    • Personality Inventory
    • Reproducibility of Results
    • Social Work
    • spirituality
    • Stress, Psychological

    Notes:

    • The Body-Mind-Spirit model of health promotion (Chan, Ho & Chow, 2002) guided the construction of a multidimensional inventory for assessing holistic health. Named Body-Mind-Spirit Well-Being Inventory (BMSWBI), it comprises four scales: Physical Distress, Daily Functioning, Affect, and Spirituality (differentiated from religiosity and conceived as ecumenical). Respondents (674 Chinese adults from Hong Kong) completed the BMSWBI via the Internet. Results indicate that all four scales have high reliability, with alpha coefficients ranging from .87 to .92, and concurrent validity. Factor analysis indicates that (a) positive and negative affect form two distinct factors; and (b) spirituality comprises three distinct aspects, tranquility, resistance to disorientation, and resilience. Spirituality is positively associated with mental well-being, positive affect, satisfaction with life, and hope; but negatively associated with negative affect and perceived stress. These results suggest that the inventory may be used to assess different dimensions of health satisfactorily.

  • The three main monotheistic religions and GM food technology: an overview of perspectives

    Type Journal Article
    Author Emmanuel B Omobowale
    Author Peter A Singer
    Author Abdallah S Daar
    Abstract ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Public acceptance of genetically modified crops is partly rooted in religious views. However, the views of different religions and their potential influence on consumers' decisions have not been systematically examined and summarized in a brief overview. We review the positions of the Judaism, Islam and Christianity - the three major monotheistic religions to which more than 55% of humanity adheres to - on the controversies aroused by GM technology. DISCUSSION: The article establishes that there is no overarching consensus within the three religions. Overall, however, it appears that mainstream theology in all three religions increasingly tends towards acceptance of GM technology per se, on performing GM research, and on consumption of GM foods. These more liberal approaches, however, are predicated on there being rigorous scientific, ethical and regulatory scrutiny of research and development of such products, and that these products are properly labeled. SUMMARY: We conclude that there are several other interests competing with the influence exerted on consumers by religion. These include the media, environmental activists, scientists and the food industry, all of which function as sources of information and shapers of perception for consumers.
    Publication BMC International Health and Human Rights
    Volume 9
    Pages 18
    Date 2009
    Journal Abbr BMC Int Health Hum Rights
    DOI 10.1186/1472-698X-9-18
    ISSN 1472-698X
    Short Title The three main monotheistic religions and gm food technology
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19698118
    Accessed Tue Oct 27 09:57:25 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 19698118
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 09:05:21 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 09:05:21 2011
  • Metaphysical and value underpinnings of traditional medicine in West Africa

    Type Journal Article
    Author Peter F Omonzejele
    Author Chukwugozie Maduka
    Abstract This study investigated the extent to which recourse to traditional healers depended on biometric variables; ways of knowing in good time what ailments were more likely to be better handled by traditional healers; rationale behind traditional healing methodologies. On the whole, four research questions were engaged. The sample for the study included residents in urban (Benin City) and rural (Ehime Mbano) communities in Nigeria. The instruments comprised of two questionnaires. The traditional healers were also interviewed in addition. The findings of the research included the following: in both rural and urban areas, women and more elderly persons had more recourse than other groups to traditional medicine; Christians, less educated persons, self-employed persons and women affirmed most strongly to the efficacy of traditional medicine over Western medicine with respect to certain ailments; ways for averting spiritual illnesses included obeying instructions from ancestors and offering regular sacrifices to the gods; methods used by traditional healers to determine whether an ailment was "spiritual" or as a result of home problems included diagnosis linked to divination, interpretation of dreams particularly those involving visits by ancestors, interpretation of nightmares and omens such as the appearance of owls; methods for curing patients included use of herbs particularly those believed to have magical powers, offering of sacrifices, use of incantations and wearing of protective medicine.
    Publication Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine
    Volume 17
    Issue 2
    Pages 99-104
    Date Feb 2011
    Journal Abbr Chin J Integr Med
    DOI 10.1007/s11655-011-0649-y
    ISSN 1672-0415
    Accessed Tue Mar 15 14:21:48 2011
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 21390575
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 08:57:14 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 08:57:14 2011
  • Inculturation and African religion : indigenous and Western approaches to medical practice

    Type Book
    Author Stephen Owoahene-Acheampong
    Place New York
    Publisher Peter Lang
    Date 1998
    ISBN 9780820431291
    Short Title Inculturation and African religion
    Library Catalog Open WorldCat
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011

    Notes:

    • The devastating conditions prevailing in Africa continue to intrigue observers. This study argues that understanding the conditions requires setting them within a broad contextual framework of development of the peoples’ cultural, economic, political, religious, and social systems from pre-colonial times to the present. It breaks new ground by clearly demonstrating the impact of the social and religious teachings and practices of the colonists on patterns of illness and medical responses of Ghanaians. It insists that it is in the spirit of dialogue and equality that the material and spiritual needs of Africans will be met.

  • The role of spirituality healing with perceptions of the medical encounter among Latinos

    Type Journal Article
    Author Carlos A Reyes-Ortiz
    Author Michael Rodriguez
    Author Kyriakos S Markides
    Abstract BACKGROUND: Little is known about the relationship between spirituality healing and perceptions about the medical encounter among Latinos. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between spirituality healing and attitudes of self-reported perceptions about the medical encounter. DESIGN: A cross-sectional telephone survey. PARTICIPANTS: 3,728 Latinos aged >or=18 years residing in the United States from Wave 1 of the Pew Hispanic Center/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Latino Health Survey. MEASUREMENTS: Dependent variables were ever prayed for healing (yes/no), ever asked others to pray for healing (yes/no), considered important spiritual healing (very vs. somewhat or not important), and ever consulted a 'curandero' (folk healer in Latin America) (yes/no). The primary independent variables were feelings about the last time seeing a Doctor (confused by information given, or frustrated by lack of information) and perception of quality of medical care (excellent, good, fair or poor) within the past 12 months. RESULTS: Six percent of individuals reported that they had ever consulted a curandero, 60% prayed for healing, 49% asked others to pray for healing, and 69% considered spiritual healing as very important. In multivariable analyses, feeling confused was associated with increased odds of consulting a curandero (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.02-2.45), praying for healing (OR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.03-1.64), asking others to pray for healing (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03-1.62), and considering spiritual healing as very important (OR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.01-1.66). Feeling frustrated by a lack of information was associated with asking others to pray for healing (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04-1.60). A better perception of quality of medical care was associated with lower odds of consulting a curandero (OR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.98). CONCLUSION: Feelings about the medical encounter were associated with spirituality healing, praying for healing, and asking others to pray for healing. Feeling confused and perception of poor quality of medical care were associated with consulting a curandero.
    Publication Journal of General Internal Medicine
    Volume 24 Suppl 3
    Pages 542-547
    Date Nov 2009
    Journal Abbr J Gen Intern Med
    DOI 10.1007/s11606-009-1067-9
    ISSN 1525-1497
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19842004
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 20:13:47 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 19842004
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 15:03:26 2011

    Notes:

    • Background: Little is known about the relationship between spirituality healing and perceptions about the medical encounter among Latinos. Objectives To examine the association between spirituality healing and attitudes of self-reported perceptions about the medical encounter. Design: A cross-sectional telephone survey. Patricipants: 3,728 Latinos aged >or=18 years residing in the United States from Wave 1 of the Pew Hispanic Center/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Latino Health Survey. Measurements: Dependent variables were ever prayed for healing (yes/no), ever asked others to pray for healing (yes/no), considered important spiritual healing (very vs. somewhat or not important), and ever consulted a ‘curandero’ (folk healer in Latin America) (yes/no). The primary independent variables were feelings about the last time seeing a Doctor (confused by information given, or frustrated by lack of information) and perception of quality of medical care (excellent, good, fair or poor) within the past 12 months. Results: Six percent of individuals reported that they had ever consulted a curandero, 60% prayed for healing, 49% asked others to pray for healing, and 69% considered spiritual healing as very important. In multivariable analyses, feeling confused was associated with increased odds of consulting a curandero (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.02-2.45), praying for healing (OR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.03-1.64), asking others to pray for healing (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03-1.62), and considering spiritual healing as very important (OR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.01-1.66). Feeling frustrated by a lack of information was associated with asking others to pray for healing (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04-1.60). A better perception of quality of medical care was associated with lower odds of consulting a curandero (OR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.98). Conclusion: Feelings about the medical encounter were associated with spirituality healing, praying for healing, and asking others to pray for healing. Feeling confused and perception of poor quality of medical care were associated with consulting a curandero.

  • Walking apart but towards the same goal? The view and practices of Tongan traditional healers and western-trained Tongan mental health staff

    Type Journal Article
    Author Sione Vaka
    Author Malcolm W Stewart
    Author Siale Foliaki
    Author Metuisela Tu'itahi
    Abstract This study explored the mental health-related beliefs and practices of Tongan Traditional Healers and Tongan workers in the Western-style mental health services in Tonga. The groups showed very different explanatory models and treatment methods for mental health difficulties. A variety of methods, similar to those reported in other Pacific communities, were used by the Tongan Traditional Healers. The Traditional Healers had a negative view of the Western-style system, feeling it did not address the real issues in mental health that they considered more culturally and spiritually-based. Western-trained staff were generally more accepting of traditional healing, and incorporated aspects of Tongan culture into their practice, but did not typically include traditional healing practices. This study aimed to inform efforts to foster more synergy and collaboration between traditional and western healing approaches in Tonga and with Tongans elsewhere. The results may be relevant to other Pacific peoples.
    Publication Pacific Health Dialog
    Volume 15
    Issue 1
    Pages 89-95
    Date Feb 2009
    Journal Abbr Pac Health Dialog
    ISSN 1015-7867
    Short Title Walking apart but towards the same goal?
    Accessed Tue Feb 22 18:45:09 2011
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 19585738
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 09:07:00 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 09:07:00 2011

    Tags:

    • Adult
    • Cooperative Behavior
    • Female
    • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
    • Humans
    • Male
    • Medicine, Traditional
    • Mental Disorders
    • mental health
    • Mental Health Services
    • Middle Aged
    • Tonga
  • Making sense of genetic uncertainty: the role of religion and spirituality

    Type Journal Article
    Author Mary T White
    Abstract This article argues that to the extent that religious and spiritual beliefs can help people cope with genetic uncertainty, a limited spiritual assessment may be appropriate in genetic counseling. The article opens by establishing why genetic information is inherently uncertain and why this uncertainty can be medically, morally, and spiritually problematic. This is followed by a review of the range of factors that can contribute to risk assessments, including a few heuristics commonly used in responses to uncertainty. The next two sections summarize recent research on the diverse roles of religious and spiritual beliefs in genetic decisions and challenges to conducting spiritual assessments in genetic counseling. Based on these findings, religious and spiritual beliefs are posited as serving essentially as a heuristic that some people will utilize in responding to their genetic risks. In the interests of helping such clients make informed decisions, a limited spiritual assessment is recommended and described. Some of the challenges and risks associated with this limited assessment are discussed. Since some religious and spiritual beliefs can conflict with the values of medicine, some decisions will remain problematic.
    Publication American Journal of Medical Genetics. Part C, Seminars in Medical Genetics
    Volume 151C
    Issue 1
    Pages 68-76
    Date Feb 15, 2009
    Journal Abbr Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet
    DOI 10.1002/ajmg.c.30196
    ISSN 1552-4876
    Short Title Making sense of genetic uncertainty
    Accessed Tue Feb 22 19:57:56 2011
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 19170081
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011

    Tags:

    • Genetic Counseling
    • Genetic Testing
    • Humans
    • Prenatal Diagnosis
    • religion
    • Risk Factors
    • Uncertainty