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Objective: In this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of foot reflexology in reducing labor pain intensity. Material-Method: The study was done in the second half of 2019. PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL (EBSCO), Scopus, Science Citation Index, Science Direct, ULAKBIM (Turkish National Databases) databases were searched using terms and keywords including 'labor pain' 'vaginal delivery' 'normal delivery' 'pregnancy and delivery' 'reflexology' 'foot massage' 'pain and reflexology' in three languages. 3292 articles (English, Turkish and Persian languages) reached by using keywords and scanning electronic databases (between 2009 and 2019). Nine descriptive cross-sectional studies were evaluated that involving provide only quantitative results and descriptive designs quantitative elements of mixed (qualitative and quantitative) method studies. Results: Out of the 3292 articles found in the databases, only 9 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Studies have shown that foot reflexology during labor reduces the severity of labor pain. Conclusion: Performing foot reflexology can be an effective and low-cost method of pain relief, reducing both pain and the duration of labor. It is recommended that further studies with sufficient statistical power be conducted in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Primary care physicians need to be aware of the types of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) used by patients to be able to guide patients away from harmful approaches and to aim them toward useful or at least seeming benign approaches. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the usage of TCM methods in Turkey and the level of knowledge and attitudes of applicants about these methods. Methods: The universe of this cross-sectional study consisted of individuals aged 18 and over who applied to the Family Health Centers and agreed to participate in the study in 12 provinces in different regions of Turkey between July and December 2016. The questionnaires were applied to the volunteer participants by the researchers using face-to-face interview techniques. The questionnaire had 25 questions. Results: 80.6% of the participants benefited from TCM, and 86.4% stated they believed in the effectiveness of TCM. Women, university graduates of college who had private insurance used TCM (respectively; p=0.031; p=0.004; p=0.000), and women (83.3%) found TCM more useful than men (p=0.005). The most frequent reason for using TCM was "heard that it was useful". Conclusion: The results of our study indicated that a large portion of Turkish primary care patients use TCM and recommend it to their relatives. Therefore, health policies and academic knowledge should be developed in this sense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers aim to examine mediating variable role of health literacy in the relationship between fear of contracting Covid-19 in women and use of holistic complementary alternative medicine. The study was conducted as descriptive cross-sectional. The researchers collected study data by conducting an online questionnaire from 285 women between April 01 and June 30, 2021. In our study, a significant relationship was found between education level and health literacy, having a chronic illness, not being able to find a permanent job and fear of Covid-19 (p < 0.05). Positive correlation exists between fear of contracting Covid-19 and Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practice (correlation between HCAM Practice β=.21). When health literacy variable is included, the level of relationship decreases (β=.18). The researchers determined that as the level of health literacy increased, the women resorted to HCAM practices less despite their fear of contracting Covid-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to examine in depth the perceptions of postoperative symptom management and coping experiences of individuals with prostate cancer. Material‐Method: The study was conducted with 15 individuals with prostate cancer using a phenomenological research design, which is a qualitative research design. Interviews were conducted via the WhatsApp application. Results: The data were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. In the data analysis, two categories, five main themes, and 15 sub‐themes emerged. In the category of symptom management perception, there are themes of pain management processes, the use of complementary and alternative therapies and practices to cope with symptoms and improve quality of life. In the category of coping experiences, the themes of individual coping, interpersonal relations, and productivity were obtained. Conclusion: Our study suggests that individuals with prostate cancer have difficulty in symptom management in the postoperative coping process, but they managed them effectively with the support of their spouse, family, and health care professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study aimed to determine the correlation between pain severity, pain beliefs, pain coping, and attitudes toward complementary and alternative treatments among physical therapy patients. Material-Method: This cross-sectional and analytical was conducted in a physical therapy and rehabilitation hospital in northeastern Türkiye. The sample consisted of 150 physical therapy patients. Data were collected using Demographic Information Form, Pain Beliefs Questionnaire, Pain Coping Questionnaire, and Attitudes towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire. Spearman's Correlation Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis were used in data analysis. Results: The study revealed that the patients had negative attitudes towards complementary (13.64 ± 4.00) and alternative medicine use (13.18 ± 4.14). The scores were moderate for the patients' psychological (18.62 ± 3.69) and organic belief (33.68 ± 5.17). A significant correlation was determined between patients' attitudes towards complementary medical treatment and conventional medical treatment for pain (p=0.020). The patients had moderate pain intensity (5.70±2.44), and there was a significant correlation between pain intensity and attitudes towards alternative medicine (p=0.012). Conclusion: Physical therapy patients' attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine are associated with pain coping and severity. The patients should be educated to cope with pain and manage it by health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and aim. The use of complementary medicine applications is increasing due to the interest of society. We aimed to assess the attitudes, behaviors, and awareness of the patients who applied to a primary care unit towards complementary medicine practices. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted with the voluntary participation of 562 individuals who admitted in a primary care unit. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews through a research questionnaire form and the Complementary, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine Attitudes Scale between 20 June-20 August 2021. The sample size was calculated with the OpenEpi v3.01program and statistical analyzes were performed using the SPSS-24 package program. Results. Their mean age was 39.73±12.95 years and women accounted for 55.5% (n=312) of all participants. The most known complementary medicine methods were phytotherapy, acupuncture, and cup therapy. The information sources of the participants about Complementary Medicine were mostly people around them; only 31.1% of them consulted a doctor. The mean total scale score was 111.45±19.08. Those with chronic diseases, employees, who had COVID-19 disease, high educational status, and those who evaluated their health status as good had more positive attitudes towards complementary medicine practices. A weak negative correlation was found between age and total scale score. Conclusion. Although positive attitudes towards complementary medicine practices are exhibited, health professionals are consulted at very low rates as a source of information. Health care providers must make arrangements and plans to provide this increasing interest from reliable sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study, on this basis of Turkey, determined physiological factors affecting individuals' being infected by the COVID-19 virus. Material and Methods: For this purpose, on 1104 individuals above the age of 18; necessary data are collected and assessed. Results: The women went through COVID-19 more severely when compared with men. It is also seen that smokers were less infected by COVID-19. It is seen that sunbathing, exercises, sleeping and using minerals did not have positive effects against the disease; usage of plant-based agents did not have positive effects on individuals' resistance against COVID-19 on severeness of the disease and results obtained after usage of medicines; surprisingly, individuals, who used probiotics/prebiotics were in a disadvantageous position against COVID-19. It is seen that individuals had significant changes in their feeding habits. Participants mostly preferred organic animalbased products. It is also seen that there were significant changes in individuals' habits on consumption. It is determined that there was a decrease in the amount of shopping from supermarkets, while at the same time, there was an increase in the amount of shopping from online platforms. Conclusion: The COVID 19 pandemic disrupted many known memories for other pandemics and led to unique new situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction is presented to the article "Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Turkish cutaneous melanoma patients: A prospective study from tertiary cancer center" which appeared in the previous issue of the periodical.

Problem: The study was conducted to examine the effects of laughter therapy on happiness level and self‐esteem in 5th grade students. Methods: This study used an experimental study with pretest posttest control group. The study population consisted of 5th grade students studying at a secondary school in Turkey. There were six branches in the 5th grade. Groups were randomly selected from among these 5th grade classes to include 29 students in the intervention group and 32 in the control group. Laughter therapy sessions were applied to the intervention group twice a week for 4 weeks. No intervention was offered to the control group. The data were collected by a questionnaire, the School Children's Happiness Inventory, and the Coopersmith Self‐Esteem Inventory. Results: It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the School Children's Happiness Inventory (p <.05) but no significant difference was found according to the groups' scores on the Coopersmith Self‐Esteem Inventory (p >.05). Conclusions: In this study, it was determined that laughter therapy increased the happiness level of students yet had no effect on their self‐esteem. It is recommended to organize laughter therapy activities in schools to increase the happiness levels of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]