Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Synopses of Cochrane Reviews from Cochrane Library Issue 6 2024 Through Issue 9 2024.","authors":"L Susan Wieland","doi":"10.1089/jicm.2024.0994","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2024.0994","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142932693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Multisite Randomized Feasibility Trial of a Remotely Delivered Pelvic Yoga Program for Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.","authors":"Alison J Huang, Leslee L Subak, Tami S Rowen, Michael Schembri, Harini Raghunathan, Carolyn Gibson, Sarah Pawlowsky, Jing Cheng, Maria T Chao","doi":"10.1089/jicm.2024.0682","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2024.0682","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> Yoga has been recommended as a complementary management strategy for women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP), but many women lack access to specialized yoga instruction for this indication, and few data are available to evaluate changes in CPP with yoga. This feasibility trial evaluated the acceptability and tolerability of a remotely delivered yoga program for CPP in women and examined data quality and interpretability for measures of pelvic pain intensity and impact with yoga instruction. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Ambulatory women with CPP were recruited from northern California in 2020-2022 and randomly assigned to a 2-month program involving twice weekly group classes delivered by videoconference supplemented by individual practice of pelvic yoga techniques versus a control program involving equivalent-time instruction and practice of nonspecific skeletal muscle stretching-strengthening exercises. Diaries, questionnaires, and in-class observations assessed intervention adherence and self-efficacy as well as CPP intensity and impact. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Among the 36 participants randomized (aged 27-77 years), the average (±standard deviation) baseline pelvic pain intensity was 4.2 (±2.0) (0-10 scale). Thirty-one (86%) completed the 2-month intervention programs, and 27 (75%) attended more than 85% of intervention classes. Among participants completing the yoga program (<i>N</i> = 16), 14 (87%) reported being at least moderately confident about performing all yoga postures after 2 months. Thirty (83%) provided pain intensity data at 2 months. Average pelvic pain intensity \"at its worst\" and \"on average\" were 1.9 (±1.6) and 1.1 (±1.4) points lower, respectively, after 2 months in this yoga group. Yoga participants also reported improvements in scores in the emotional, occupational, and psychological domains of the Impact of Female Chronic Pelvic Pain Questionnaire. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Findings demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of a videoconference-based yoga program and collection of pain-related data among women with CPP, paving the way for future research to rigorously evaluate its specific efficacy in representative samples of women. <b>Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:</b> NCT04615247.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142898666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Research in Integrative and Complementary Medicine: Particularities, Challenges, Obstacles, and Misunderstandings. Part 1: The Why and the How of Clinical Research.","authors":"Holger Cramer","doi":"10.1089/jicm.2024.1001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2024.1001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142878058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Randomized Clinical Trial of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program Among Breast Cancer Survivors Post-Treatment: Evaluating Mediators of Cognitive Improvement.","authors":"Cecile A Lengacher, Gizem Hueluer, Julia R Wang, Richard R Reich, Hongdao Meng, Jong Y Park, Kevin E Kip, Sandra Morgan, Anisha Joshi, Sara Tinsley, Mahathi Krothapalli, Sreenidhi Nidamanur, Charles Cox, John Kiluk, Jean M Lucas, Tamela Fonseca, Manolete S Moscoso, Elizabeth Bornstein, Kristine A Donovan, Lynne S Padgett, Ramya Chamkeri, Diya Patel, Estella Hornback, Carmen C S Rodríguez","doi":"10.1089/jicm.2024.0493","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2024.0493","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program for breast cancer survivors (MBSR [BCs]) is a stress-reducing program designed to increase cognitive functioning through four meditational practices. This randomized clinical trial aimed to determine if improvements in cognitive functioning and perceived cognitive abilities achieved from the MBSR(BC) were mediated through increased mindfulness, decreased rumination, and decreased perceived stress. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) who met inclusion criteria of stage I, II, or III BC and received either chemotherapy (CT) or both CT and radiation were randomized to either the 6-week MBSR(BC), or Breast Cancer Education Support (BCES) program, or to a usual care (UC) regimen. Analysis of covariance was first implemented to identify potential mediators, followed by a formal mediational analysis to evaluate the effects of MBSR(BC) on 6-, 12-, and 26-week outcomes. <b><i>Results:</i></b> After consent, 212 BCS were randomized to MBSR(BC) (<i>n</i> = 91), BCES (<i>n</i> = 90), or UC (<i>n</i> = 31). The mean age was 56.5 and the majority of the BCS, 73.1%, were White and non-Hispanic. Results showed increases in \"observing\" as part of mindfulness as a potential mediator of MBSR(BC) effects on impairments on quality of life and logical memory at 6 months relative to UC. No mediation effects were identified for outcomes measured at 6 or 12 weeks and also when MBSR(BC) was compared with the BCES program. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> These results partially supported our hypothesis that improvement in cognitive functioning would occur through increased mindfulness. Although few mediating relationships were identified, results showed a relationship between mindfulness and cognitive functioning. Both mediating relationships occurred through increases in \"observing,\" a subconcept of \"mindfulness,\" when compared to the MBSR(BC) with UC at 6 months. This study shows that mediators may help \"optimize\" clinical therapeutic treatment effects, thus contributing to the advancement of science.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>ClinicalTrials.gov, www.</p><p><strong>Clinicaltrials: </strong>gov.</p><p><strong>Registration number: </strong>NCT02786797.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142878055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effects of Acupressure and Massage on Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Seda Eryılmaz, Tuba Uçar","doi":"10.1089/jicm.2023.0721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2023.0721","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> The study was carried out to determine the effects of acupressure and massage on pain severity, menstrual symptoms, and quality of life in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> This randomized controlled trial was conducted between January 2021 and May 2021. The study initially enrolled 309 female students with primary dysmenorrhea studying at a university in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye. After exclusions (due to secondary dysmenorrhea diagnosis, study discontinuation, or drug use), the study was completed with a total of 267 students. The students were divided into three groups as follows: (1) the acupressure+massage group, (2) the massage-only group, and (3) the control group. Acupressure + massage and massage-only groups were timed for the first 3 days of three consecutive menstrual cycles. The primary outcome of the study was the mean pain score for primary dysmenorrhea. Data were collected with the Visual Analog Scale, Daily Menstrual Symptom Rating Scale, and Short Form 12 Health Survey. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In the first cycle and first day of preintervention measurement, the physical and mental health levels, which are the subscales of pain severity, menstrual symptom intensity, and quality of life, were similar in the three groups (<i>p</i> > 0.05). In other measurements during the three cycles, it was determined that the pain severity and menstrual symptom intensity in the acupressure + massage and massage-only group were lower than the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). After the intervention, it was determined that there was no significant difference in all subscales of the Quality of Life Scale (<i>p</i> > 0.05). In the acupressure + massage group, three participants reported having adverse reactions, including pain at the acupoints (<i>n</i> = 1) and shift in menstruation cycle (<i>n</i> = 2); in the massage-only group, four participants reported having adverse reactions, including redness (<i>n</i> = 3) and tingling in a finger (<i>n</i> = 1). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> It was determined that acupressure and massage applied to those with primary dysmenorrhea were effective methods to reduce the pain level and menstrual symptom intensity, but did not affect their quality of life. <b><i>Clinical Trials Number:</i></b> A Clinical trials number was received from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04942288).</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142869703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of Arogya Rakshak Panchatantra (Five Lifestyle Principles) on Heart Rate Variability and Menstrual Symptoms in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Karishma Silwal, Prakash Babu Kodali, Hemanshu Sharma, Peony Biswas, Jigyasha Menghani, Gulab Tewani, Pradeep M K Nair","doi":"10.1089/jicm.2024.0216","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2024.0216","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is associated with decreased performance and reduced quality of life in young adults. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing Arogya Rakshak Panchatantra (ARP), a naturopathic lifestyle practice, among young female adults with PD. <b><i>Method:</i></b> This open-label, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial included 52 young female adults with PD aged between 16 and 25 years. They were randomly assigned to the ARP group practicing the ARP module for 2 months or the control group maintaining their routine lifestyle. The primary outcome was changes in heart rate variability (HRV), while secondary outcomes included menstrual distress, quality of life, pain, and daytime sleepiness, all evaluated at baseline and during the first three menstrual cycles in both groups. To evaluate the feasibility, the study also monitored self-reported symptoms, emotions, adverse events, calorie intake, and adherence to the intervention. The effectiveness of ARP was evaluated using repeated measures analysis of variance and a generalized linear model. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In the intervention group, we observed significant improvements in the high frequency component of HRV (<i>p</i> = 0.007), as well as reductions in weight (<i>p</i> = 0.017), visual analog scale pain (<i>p</i> = 0.000), and retrospective symptom scale score (<i>p</i> < 0.011). There were no significant changes in other HRV metrics, quality of life, or daytime sleepiness. Participants reported mild symptoms such as headaches, colds, body pain, diarrhea, constipation, fever, and weakness, with no serious adverse events. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> This trial is the first to examine the long-term impact of ARP on young females with PD, suggesting it could be an effective and feasible management option. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142869701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Survey of Oncology Patients' Perceptions on Integrative Medicine and Awareness of Resources at an Academic Cancer Center.","authors":"Hui Chen, Tali Pomerantz, Matthew Ponzini, Machelle Wilson, Brian Stuepfert, Silvia C Molina, Michelle L Dossett","doi":"10.1089/jicm.2024.0185","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2024.0185","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> More cancer centers are offering integrative medicine (IM) therapies. However, it is unclear how many patients are aware of, and are utilizing, these therapies to help manage their symptoms. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> This survey study examines patients' knowledge, satisfaction with, and perceptions of available IM resources at an academic cancer center. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> An online, anonymous survey was sent to 7,807 patients of the University of California Davis Health Comprehensive Cancer Center using the electronic health record. The survey consisted of 11 primary questions with follow-up questions. <b><i>Results:</i></b> One thousand and sixteen respondents initiated the survey (response rate of 13%). Eight hundred and fifty-five respondents (10.9%) completed the survey. Mean age was 65.4 years; 67.3% of respondents were female, 84.9% were Caucasian/White, and 86.8% reported being non-Hispanic. The largest group of responders were patients with breast cancer (25.7%). 78.7% reported no IM use, and 18.9% reported using IM. Although 53.7% of respondents were satisfied with the resources, 42.1% reported not being aware of any IM resources. Those who were unaware of resources were more likely to be female than male (47.8% vs. 30.5%) and non-Hispanic (42.3% vs. 31.2%). 48.7% wanted additional IM resources. Of those who wanted additional resources, 54.7% wanted nutritional counseling, 49.3% wanted manipulative and body-based methods, 44.4% wanted alternative medical systems, and 43.4% wanted counseling on herbs, dietary supplements, and cannabis. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Forty-two percent of participants were unaware of any IM resources at the institution and an even greater number, 48.7%, voiced a desire for additional IM resources. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This is the first study in the United States at an academic comprehensive cancer center to examine patients' perceptions of available IM resources. Although some cancer centers offer a variety of IM resources, many patients may be missing out on potential symptom or quality-of-life benefits due to a lack of awareness of these resources.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142796203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis of Institutional Research Partnerships in Complementary and Integrative Health: Identifying Barriers and Facilitators.","authors":"Belinda Anderson, Niki Munk, Steffany Moonaz, Dale Healey","doi":"10.1089/jicm.2024.0382","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2024.0382","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> Collaboration between complementary and integrative health (CIH) institutions and research-intensive (R1) institutions has been successfully undertaken in the United States, resulting in federally funded research projects, educational programs, and faculty development. The aim of this cross-sectional survey study was to explore the barriers and facilitators to establishing and maintaining such collaborative partnerships. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A 32-question survey was sent to participants recruited through author contacts and resources, literature review, and database searches. Participants were required to be researchers and affiliates who attempted, completed, or had current collaborative endeavors involving CIH and R1 institutions. Data were collected in the research electronic data capture (REDCap) system and descriptive quantitative and qualitative data analysis was undertaken. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 26 unique entries were included in the final data analysis; four of which were paired entries (one from an R1 institution and one from a CIH institution) to make up two dyad data collections. Eighty-one percent of the participants had senior leadership roles at CIH institutions representing five CIH disciplines-East Asian medicine (acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine), chiropractic medicine, massage therapy, naturopathy, and yoga. Collaborative research projects were often (>38%) in response to specific project funding mechanisms. Over 60% of the collaborations also included educational activities and faculty development. Collaborations resulted in multiple different types of benefits to both institutions but were not without associated challenges. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Collaborations between R1 and CIH institutions can be cooperative, productive, and mutually beneficial. Funding mechanisms supporting R1 and CIH collaboration increase CIH research productivity as well as the development of innovative research methodology to study the real-world practice of CIH therapies, whole systems, and whole person health. CIH researchers would greatly benefit from such funding, allowing access to research infrastructure, professional development, and the provision of protected time to conduct research.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142796200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Move or Not to Move: Factors of Mind-Body Practice Engagement in a Population-Based Study.","authors":"My Ngoc To, Nicole Nicotera, Kaipeng Wang","doi":"10.1089/jicm.2024.0288","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2024.0288","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Mind-body practices (MBPs), which include seated- (meditation) and movement-based practices (yoga, Tai Chi, <i>qigong</i>), have grown increasingly popular in the United States for improving mental and physical wellness. While literature has identified socioeconomic and health-related factors related to seated- and movement-MBP engagement separately, no studies have explored the factors associated with combined-MBP use. This study accordingly used Anderson's behavioral model of health service utilization to explore sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with seated-, movement-, and combined-MBP engagement among a representative adult sample in the 2017 National Health Interview Survey. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sample characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression using survey weights examined associations between predisposing (<i>race-ethnicity</i>, <i>age</i>, <i>geographic region</i>, <i>sex</i>, <i>sexual minority status</i>, and <i>marital status</i>), enabling (<i>educational attainment</i>, <i>income</i>, <i>having continuous health insurance coverage</i>, and <i>having flexible spending accounts</i>), and needs factors (<i>psychological distress</i>, <i>self-reported health</i>, <i>and chronic pain</i>) with type of MBP engagement. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Nearly 6% (5.8%) of the U.S. adult population practiced combined-MBPs. Results also showed that educational attainment was associated with increasingly higher odds of utilizing all forms of MBPs and revealed racial-ethnic disparities in movement- and combined-MBP engagement. Combined-MBP engagement was roughly two times higher among those with moderate psychological distress (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.58-2.32; <i>p</i> < 0.001), severe psychological distress (RRR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.35-2.85; <i>p</i> < 0.001), and chronic pain. <b><i>Conclusions and Implications:</i></b> Findings suggest that combined-MBPs are utilized by a significant portion of the U.S. population and that engagement has varied distribution across sociodemographic and health factors. Considering the association of combined-MBP usage with mental and physical health needs, the authors recommend that health care providers suggest combined-MBPs as an additional resource for patients with psychological distress or mild chronic pain. Future practice and research can focus on increasing accessibility to MBPs in education settings to reduce racial-ethnic disparities.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142772882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the Dietary Supplement Use During COVID-19: Insights from Community Pharmacists, Pharmacy Staff, Academics, and Industry Experts.","authors":"Leyla Yumrukaya, Bilge Sözen-Şahne, İclal Saraçoğlu, Selen Yeğenoğlu","doi":"10.1089/jicm.2023.0632","DOIUrl":"10.1089/jicm.2023.0632","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The increased use of dietary supplements is a consequence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although their efficacy has not been consistently proven, they have been perceived as a preventive tool against COVID-19. Less strict regulations and debates on their definitions in a regulatory framework raise concerns about safety issues. Apart from dietary supplement use, information demand has increased, and pharmacists have played a key role as accessible health professionals. This study aimed to reveal the opinions of community pharmacists, pharmacy staff, sector representatives, and academicians regarding the sale and use of dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A qualitative study approach was followed, using grounded theory. Data were collected between September 2021 and July 2022, analyzed using MAXQDA 2020 software, and reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. <b><i>Results:</i></b> After refining the open codes, two themes emerged: dietary supplements and the effects of the pandemic. It was found that increased dietary supplement use was rooted in COVID-19 fear, promotional activities, and social media influence. The interaction between consumers and the dietary supplement industry is bidirectional. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Pharmacies, as access points for these products, played a crucial role in struggling with the effects of the pandemic. Although dietary supplements are considered safe, their potential for adverse reactions poses a public health risk. Flexible regulations, unregulated alternative advertising channels, and a lack of awareness of the safety of these products pose a challenge to public health. In this regard, all stakeholders should work to minimize the risks from undergraduate education to professional life.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1179-1188"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11659460/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141761364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}