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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2007.06.002 Byline: Mavourneen Casey (a), Jon Adams (b), David Sibbritt (c) Keywords: Herbal medicine; Prescription; Concurrent conventional medical practice Abstract: To examine the clinical practices and perceptions of herbalists providing patient care concurrently with conventional medical practice. Author Affiliation: (a) School of Applied Science, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah 2258, Australia (b) Epidemiology and Social Medicine Division, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Australia (c) Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Practice and Population Health, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Level 3 DMB, Royal Newcastle Hospital, Newcastle 2300, Australia Article Note: (footnote) [star] This project has been approved by the University of Newcastle, Human Research Ethics Committee, Approval No. H-(677-1003).

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2006.08.001 Byline: Alex Broom (a), Jon Adams (b) Abstract: This paper examines the topics discussed over the course of the Complementary Therapies in Medicine (CAM) research methods series and looks ahead at research methods that either have not been discussed so far in the series or are currently emerging as potentially useful research tools. It is emphasised that an in-depth knowledge of methodological advances (and existing tools) is vital if researchers are to design and implement appropriate programs with the ability to adequately address the vast range of research questions pertinent to CAM. Author Affiliation: (a) School of Social Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, Australia (b) Division of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Qld, Australia

Objectives: To examine the association between self-prescribed complementary and alternative medicine use and menopause-related symptoms, stratified by menopausal status.Methods: Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 10,011 menopausal women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, conducted in 2010. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to identify if the use of selected self-prescribed complementary and alternative medicine was significantly associated with a range of menopause-related symptoms.Results: Vitamins/minerals were more likely to be used by natural menopausal women experiencing anxiety (adjusted OR=1.20) and/or stiff/painful joints (adjusted OR=1.16). Yoga/meditation was more likely to be used by women with hysterectomy (adjusted OR=1.76) or natural menopausal women (adjusted OR=1.38) experiencing anxiety. Herbal medicines were more likely to be used by natural menopausal women experiencing anxiety (adjusted OR=1.22), tiredness (adjusted OR=1.20), and/or stiff/painful joints (adjusted OR=1.17), and by women with oophorectomy experiencing tiredness (adjusted OR=1.45). Aromatherapy oils were more likely to be used by natural menopausal women experiencing night sweats (adjusted OR=1.25) and by women with hysterectomy experiencing anxiety (adjusted OR=2.02). Chinese medicines were more likely to be used by women with oophorectomy experiencing stiff/painful joints (adjusted OR=4.06) and/or palpitations (adjusted OR=3.06).Conclusions: Our study will help improve the patient-provider communication regarding complementary and alternative medicine use for menopause, and we conclude that menopausal status should be taken into account by providers for menopause care. The women's experience and motivations of such use warrant further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]