Hasil untuk "Homeopathy"

Jayesh Sheth, Aadhira Nair, Frenny Sheth et al.

Abstract Background Rare disorders comprise of ~ 7500 different conditions affecting multiple systems. Diagnosis of rare diseases is complex due to dearth of specialized medical professionals, testing labs and limited therapeutic options. There is scarcity of data on the prevalence of rare diseases in different populations. India being home to a large population comprising of 4600 population groups, of which several thousand are endogamous, is likely to have a high burden of rare diseases. The present study provides a retrospective overview of a cohort of patients with rare genetic diseases identified at a tertiary genetic test centre in India. Results Overall, 3294 patients with 305 rare diseases were identified in the present study cohort. These were categorized into 14 disease groups based on the major organ/ organ system affected. Highest number of rare diseases (D = 149/305, 48.9%) were identified in the neuromuscular and neurodevelopmental (NMND) group followed by inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) (D = 47/305; 15.4%). Majority patients in the present cohort (N = 1992, 61%) were diagnosed under IEM group, of which Gaucher disease constituted maximum cases (N = 224, 11.2%). Under the NMND group, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (N = 291/885, 32.9%), trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders (N = 242/885; 27.3%) and spinal muscular atrophy (N = 141/885, 15.9%) were the most common. Majority cases of β-thalassemia (N = 120/149, 80.5%) and cystic fibrosis (N = 74/75, 98.7%) under the haematological and pulmonary groups were observed, respectively. Founder variants were identified for Tay-Sachs disease and mucopolysaccharidosis IVA diseases. Recurrent variants for Gaucher disease (GBA:c.1448T > C), β-thalassemia (HBB:c.92.+5G > C), non-syndromic hearing loss (GJB2:c.71G > A), albinism (TYR:c.832 C > T), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CYP21A2:c.29–13 C > G) and progressive pseudo rheumatoid dysplasia (CCN6:c.298T > A) were observed in the present study. Conclusion The present retrospective study of rare disease patients diagnosed at a tertiary genetic test centre provides first insight into the distribution of rare genetic diseases across the country. This information will likely aid in drafting future health policies, including newborn screening programs, development of target specific panel for affordable diagnosis of rare diseases and eventually build a platform for devising novel treatment strategies for rare diseases.

Babafemi Siji Ajisebiola, Boluwatifemi Peace Durodola, Abdur-Rahman Kolawole Mustapha et al.

Abstract Background Echis ocellatus venom toxins have the ability to impact multiple organ systems subsequent to envenomation. Kaempferol have been reported to have several therapeutic benefits. In this study, the therapeutic value of kaempferol was investigated in relation to the cardio-nephrotoxicity in rats resulting from E. ocellatus envenoming. Methods Fifty male wistar rats were allotted unbiased into five groups (n = 10) for this study. Group 1 was the control, while rats in groups 2 to 5 were envenomed with LD50 of E. ocellatus venom (0.22 mg/kg bw; i.p.). Group 2 was not treated after envenomation while groups 3, 4 and 5 were treated with polyvalent antivenom, 4 and 8 mg/kg of kaempferol, respectively. Results E. ocellatus envenomation caused considerable reduction in organ weight and relative organ weight in the envenomed untreated rats. The venom induced intense oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptotic damage to the cardiac and renal tissues accompanied with severe histomorphology in the organ tissues of untreated envenomed rats. In contrast, kaempferol treatment post-envenomation attenuated the venom-induced cardio-nephrotoxic responses in a dose dependent effect. Kaempferol substantially (p < 0.05) decreased malondialdehyde levels while enhancing reduced glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the heart and kidney of envenomed treated rats. Treatment of envenomed rats with kaempferol successfully decreased nitric oxide levels and myeloperoxidase activity. Overexpression of apoptotic caspase 3 and caspase 9 in cardiac and renal tissues were suppressed by kaempferol (p < 0.05). The histopathological result supports kaempferol’s ameliorative ability by convalescing the severe morphological alterations of cardiac and renal tissues induced by the venom. Conclusion Findings elucidate the significance of kaempferol as promising agent in the management of cardio-nephrotoxicity resulting from snakebite envenoming.

R. Manchanda, A. Miglani, Meeta Gupta et al.

Abstract Background/Objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new disease; its clinical profile and natural history are evolving. Each well-recorded case in homeopathic practice is important for deciding the future course of action. This study aims at identifying clinically useful homeopathic remedies and their prescribing symptoms using the prognostic factor research model. Methods This was an open-label, multi-centric, observational study performed from April 2020 to July 2020 at various public health care clinics. The data were collected prospectively from clinical practice at integrated COVID-19 care facilities in India. Good-quality cases were selected using a specific set of criteria. These cases were analyzed for elucidating prognostic factors by calculating the likelihood ratio (LR) of each frequently occurring symptom. The symptoms with high LR values (>1) were considered as prescribing indications of the specific remedy. Results Out of 327 COVID-19 cases reported, 211 met the selection criteria for analysis. The most common complaints were fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, myalgia, fever, dry mouth and throat, increased thirst, headache, decreased appetite, anxiety, and altered taste. Twenty-seven remedies were prescribed and four of them—Arsenicum album, Bryonia alba, Gelsemium sempervirens, and Pulsatilla nigricans—were the most frequently used. A high LR was obtained for certain symptoms, which enabled differentiation between the remedies for a given patient. Conclusion Homeopathic medicines were associated with improvement in symptoms of COVID-19 cases. Characteristic symptoms of four frequently indicated remedies have been identified using prognostic factor research, findings that can contribute to accurate homeopathic prescribing during future controlled research in COVID-19.

Bipin Jethani, Meeta Gupta, P. Wadhwani et al.

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to identify indicated homeopathic remedies based on the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in India. Methods In this retrospective, cohort study, confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted at a COVID Health Centre in New Delhi between April 29 and June 17, 2020 were given conventional and homeopathic treatment. Patients were grouped into mild, moderate or severe categories of disease. Their symptomatologic profiles were analyzed to identify indicated homeopathic medicines. Results A total of 196 COVID-19 patients were admitted. One hundred and seventy-eight patients had mild symptoms; eighteen patients had moderate symptoms; no patients with severe symptoms were included as they were referred to tertiary care centers with ventilatory support. The mean age of patients with mild symptoms was significantly lower (38.6 years; standard deviation or SD ± 15.8) compared with patients in the moderate category (66.0 years; SD ± 9.09). The most important symptoms identified were fever (43.4%), cough (47.4%), sore throat (29.6%), headache (18.4%), myalgia (17.9%), fatigue (16.8%), chest discomfort (13.8%), chills (12.6%), shortness of breath (11.2%) and loss of taste (10.2%). Twenty-eight homeopathic medicines were prescribed, the most frequently indicated being Bryonia alba (33.3%), Arsenicum album (18.1%), Pulsatilla nigricans (13.8%), Nux vomica (8%), Rhus toxicodendron (7.2%) and Gelsemium sempervirens (5.8%), in 30C potency. Conclusion Data from the current study reveal that Arsenicum album, Bryonia alba, Pulsatilla nigricans, Nux vomica, Rhus toxicodendron and Gelsemium sempervirens are the most frequently indicated homeopathic medicines. A randomized controlled clinical trial based on this finding is the next step.

S Myilsamy, Sangeetha Kandasamy, Praveen Vijayakumar et al.

Introduction: One of the world's most important public health and global health issues is alcoholism. In terms of illness burden, alcohol is the world's third leading cause of death. Repeated alcohol-related issues in at least two of the eleven life areas that clump together over the same 12-month period are considered as alcoholism (alcohol use disorder). Moderate and heavy drinkers were separated into two groups. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study comprising 25 moderate alcoholics, 25 severe alcoholics, and 50 adult individuals who were nonalcoholics. Data pertaining to demographics, clinical history including alcohol consumption and laboratory data were collected and recorded from the study participants. Laboratory data included parameters like hematological profile, serum Vitamin B12 and folic acid, liver function tests, renal function tests, blood sugar levels, and prothrombin time. Results: In our study, anemia affects 76% of severe alcoholics and 72% of moderate drinkers. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) of more than 99 fl was found in 28% of heavy drinkers and 8% of moderate drinkers. The average Hb in heavy drinkers was 9.372.30. Alcoholics have abnormal red blood cell morphology, such as target cells, acanthocytes, stomatocytes, elliptocytes, and ovalocytes. Discussion: Alcoholism affects both men and women, but it is more common in men, especially in lower socioeconomic groups, in their third to fifth decade. Chronic drinkers are more likely to develop anemia, which is linked to the amount and duration of alcohol consumption. Severe alcoholics are prone to infections. Conclusion: Early detection and treatment of hematological abnormalities associated with alcohol misuse will help prevent future alcohol-related problems and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Suraia Parveen, Subhrasankha Das

Abstract Background and Objectives Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common heterogeneous endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by various clinical presentations such as ovulatory dysfunction, polycystic ovaries, and hyperandrogenism. Considering the side effects associated with conventional treatment and the patients who fail to respond to these measures, there is a demand for a complementary therapy that would alleviate symptoms of PCOS without side effects. Homeopathy is a complementary system of medicine that has been successfully used in different disease conditions, including PCOS. A case series of PCOS is hereby presented, to demonstrate some positive results of individualized homeopathic treatment. Methods Seven cases of young women with PCOS were treated with individualized homeopathic medicines. Each case was followed up with clinical and ultrasonographic evidence and was reported according to the criteria set out in the HOM-CASE guidelines. The assessment of causal attribution of homeopathic treatment effect was carried out using the Modified Naranjo Criteria. Results Marked improvement was observed in all seven cases of PCOS. The irregular menstrual cycles and other associated symptoms became normal, along with a resolution of cysts in ovaries as evidenced by ultrasonography. All cases improved within 4 to 12 months of treatment. The Modified Naranjo Criteria total score was +9/13 for each case, which indicates a positive causal attribution of homeopathy in relieving the symptoms of PCOS. Conclusion This case series suggests a significant role of individualized homeopathic medicines in PCOS by regularizing the menstrual cycle along with the resolution of cysts and associated symptoms.

Marc Lluís Clapers, M. Velat, Josep Maria Clapers et al.

Abstract Background Homeopathy has had documented success treating epidemics in the last two centuries. We aimed to obtain a clear homeopathic clinical picture of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and postulate the genus epidemicus of the disease in order to inform and enhance future treatment and prophylaxis options. Methods We conducted a prospective case series study, collecting data from 19 homeopaths in Catalonia, Spain, from patients who presented with fever and/or cough and/or breathlessness and/or confirmed COVID-19 infection or close contact with a confirmed case. We included 107 patients, and data were recorded through a checklist questionnaire on the day of the case analysis and at day 10–15 after commencing treatment. Symptoms were collected and analyzed with the help of homeopathic repertories. Results A total of 103 cases were mild or moderate; four were severe. The severe cases were excluded from the analysis and the 103 mild and moderate cases were analyzed and a clear overall clinical picture with mental, general, and particular symptoms was achieved. Eighty-eight cases had a complete recorded follow-up. The most prescribed medicines were Bry, Ars, Phos and Gels, whilst those with the best rates of good response were Sulph, Puls and Bry. Time to full recovery after homeopathic treatment ranged from 3.5 to 14.4 days, depending on the medicine used. The potency 200c was associated with faster rates of full recovery and a lesser need to change remedy. Conclusion We have defined the symptomatic homeopathic characteristics of mild and moderate COVID-19 in Spain and established a set of medicines that might be useful to consider as effective genus epidemicus.

S. Dey, Shifa Hashmi, Sangita Saha et al.

Abstract Background Though frequently used in practice, research studies have shown inconclusive benefits of homeopathy in the treatment of warts. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a future definitive trial, with preliminary assessment of differences between effects of individualized homeopathic (IH) medicines and placebos in treatment of cutaneous warts. Methods A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (n = 60) was conducted at the dermatology outpatient department of D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal. Patients were randomized to receive either IH (n = 30) or identical-looking placebo (n = 30). Primary outcome measures were numbers and sizes of the warts; secondary outcome was the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire measured at baseline, and every month up to 3 months. Group differences and effect sizes were calculated on the intention-to-treat sample. Results Attrition rate was 11.6% (IH, 3; placebo, 4). Intra-group changes were significantly greater (all p  0.05, Mann-Whitney U tests) with small effect sizes—both in the primary outcomes (number of warts after 3 months: IH median [inter-quartile range; IQR] 1 [1, 3] vs. placebo 1 [1, 2]; p = 0.741; size of warts after 3 months: IH 5.6 mm [2.6, 40.2] vs. placebo 6.3 [0.8, 16.7]; p = 0.515) and in the secondary outcomes (DLQI total after 3 months: IH 4.5 [2, 6.2] vs. placebo 4.5 [2.5, 8]; p = 0.935). Thuja occidentalis (28.3%), Natrum muriaticum (10%) and Sulphur (8.3%) were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harms, homeopathic aggravations, or serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion As regards efficacy, the preliminary study was inconclusive, with a statistically non-significant direction of effect favoring homeopathy. The trial succeeded in showing that an adequately powered definitive trial is both feasible and warranted. Trial Registration CTRI/2019/10/021659; UTN: U1111–1241–7340

Hope Onohuean MSc, PhD Fellow, Abdullateef I. Alagbonsi PhD, Ibe M. Usman MSc, PhD Fellow et al.

Background. Annona muricata and Khaya grandifoliola are ethnomedicinally used for the treatment of malaria and have been experimentally shown to have an anti-plasmodial effect, but the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. This study investigated the effect of the ethanol extracts of their leaves on parasitemia, radical scavenging and cytokines in Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected BALB/c mice. Methods. BALB/c mice were infected with P. berghei and treated with chloroquine, A. muricata or K. grandifoliola extract for 4 days. The percentage of parasitemia and the level of cytokine expression were determined after treatment. Trace element, phytochemical and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging properties assays were done to study the antioxidant effects of AN and KG in vitro. Results. P. berghei consistently increased parasitemia in BALB/c mice. The tested doses (100-, 200-, and 400 mg/kg) of A. muricata and K. grandifoliola attenuated the P. berghei -induced elevation of parasitemia and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-5, and IL-6) in vivo during the experimental period, though not as much as chloroquine. Moreover, both extracts scavenged the DPPH and NO radicals, though A. muricata had more anti-oxidant effect than K. grandifoliola in-vitro. Conclusion. The ethanol extracts of A. muricata and K. grandifoliola reduce parasitemia in P. berghei -treated mice BALB/c by scavenging free radicals and reducing cytokines, though the extracts were not as effective as chloroquine.

Temidayo Ogunmoyole, Iretiogo Dada, Oluwatosin Adebukola Adebamigbe

Abstract Background Persea americana (PA) is a popular medicinal plant in folkloric medicines. The present study therefore investigates the ameliorative potentials of its leaves extract on carbon tetrachloride and rifampicin-induced toxicity in the liver, kidney and heart of albino rat. This was aimed at assessing the potentials of the plant in the management of liver, kidney and heart diseases. Methodology Forty (40) rats were randomly divided into eight (8) groups of five animals each. Groups I and II were administered with only distilled water and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) respectively. Groups III and IV animals received 3.0 ml/kg bw of CCl4 and were treated with the extract at 50 mg/kg bw and 100 mg/kg respectively, while group V received 100 mg/kg bw. of silymarin orally for 14 days. Groups VI animals were administered with rifampicin (250 mg/kg bw.) only, while groups VII and VIII animals received rifampicin and were treated with 50 mg and 100 mg/kg bw of the extract respectively. Activities of creatine kinase, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, catalase as well as levels of urea, uric acid, bilirubin and malonidialdehyde (MDA) were assayed. Lipid profiles and histopathological examination of liver and kidney slices were also performed. Result Treatment with P. americana significantly (p < 0.05) restored all deranged biochemical parameters (creatine kinase, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, uric acid, bilirubin, MDA, lipid profile as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase) in a dose-dependent manner. Normal hepatic and renal histoarchitecture were also restored following treatment with P. americana. Conclusion Amelioration of distorted cardiac, hepatic and renal histoarchitecture as well as restoration of lipid profile, biomarkers of liver and kidney injury and antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) affirm the potential usefulness of P. americana in the management of liver, kidney and heart diseases.

Md. Wasim Bari, Md. Monirul Islam, Mahbuba Khatun et al.

Abstract Background Wedelia chinensis (W. chinensis) is a beneficial medicinal herb used in folk medicine to treat many chronic diseases. The present study is aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic property of methanolic extract of W. chinensis leaf (MEWL) in alloxan induced Swiss albino diabetic mice. Methods Methanol was used as a solvent to obtain W. chinensis leaf extract. In vitro antidiabetic property of MEWL was revealed by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. To explore in vivo antidiabetic properties of MEWL, diabetes was induced in Swiss albino mice by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at dose of 80 mg/kg body weight (BW). All Swiss albino mice (normal mice and diabetic mice) were divided into five groups and orally treated with normal pellet diet and water (normal control and diabetic control), glibenclamide 5 mg/kg BW and MEWL (100 and 200 mg/kg BW). Effects of MEWL on blood glucose levels, activity of liver function enzymes associated with diabetes and serum levels of lipid parameters were evaluated. Results In α-amylase inhibition assay, 48.39% inhibition in the activity of α-amylase was observed at 500 μg/ml concentration of MEWL. Moreover, 39.37% inhibition of α-glucosidase activity was observed at 10 μg/ml concentration of MEWL. The results of in vivo antidiabetic assays showed that MEWL significantly (p < 0.01) decreased blood glucose level and ameliorated parameters of lipid profile (TG, TC, LDL, VLDL and HDL) in diabetic mice. MEWL treatments for 21 days also reduced the activity of SGPT and SGOT enzymes, and CRP levels in the serum of diabetic mice significantly (p < 0.01) compared to that of untreated diabetic mice. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that W. chinensis leaf extract effectively subsidized the hyperglycemic effect along with restoring the lipid profile parameters in diabetic mice and might be used as an alternative medicine for the management of diabetes.

Rhea Fernandez, Nikhita Suzanne Roshan, Anissa Mary Thomas Thattil

The rise of a novel disease agent is a complex situation that is fraught with fear and concern. The SARS-CoV-2 novel virus was identified in the Hubei province of China in December 2019, and since then, its rapid spread has become a matter of international concern. For this article, a literature search for the origin of the virus, mortality and morbidity data, pandemic influenzas in the past, modes of transmission, incubation period, vulnerable populations and clinical features, was conducted. Although evidence regarding the epidemiology of the disease is not thorough and is being studied further, this article aims to collate existing data and understand the epidemiology of COVID-19 while also trying to identify the global challenges that will have to be faced in the near future.

P. Albert Arockia Raj, Selvaraj Pavulraj, M. Asok Kumar et al.

Aim: A study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative potential of homeopathic drugs in combination (Sulfur 30C, Thuja 30C, Graphites 30C, and Psorinum 30C) in 16 dogs affected with oral papillomatosis which was not undergone any previous treatment. Materials and Methods: Dogs affected with oral papillomatosis, which have not undergone any initial treatment and fed with a regular diet. Dogs (total=16) were randomly divided into two groups, namely, homeopathic treatment group (n=8) and placebo control group (n=8). Random number table was used for allocation. Homeopathic combination of drugs and placebo drug (distilled water) was administered orally twice daily for 15 days. Clinical evaluation in both groups of dogs was performed by the same investigator throughout the period of study (12 months). Dogs were clinically scored for oral lesions on days 0, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 150 after initiation of treatment. Results: The homeopathic treatment group showed early recovery with a significant reduction in oral lesions reflected by clinical score (p<0.001) in comparison to placebo-treated group. Oral papillomatous lesions regressed in the homeopathic group between 7 and 15 days, whereas regression of papilloma in the placebo group occurred between 90 and 150 days. The homeopathic treated group was observed for 12 months post-treatment period and no recurrence of oral papilloma was observed. Conclusion: The current study proves that the combination of homeopathy drugs aids in fastening the regression of canine oral papilloma and proved to be safe and cost-effective.

M. Gras, A. Vallard, Christelle Brosse et al.

Purpose: It is usual for cancer patients to use complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) and yet the literature evaluating their efficacy in cancer patients is very limited. The objective of the present study was to report on the nature, frequency of use, and patient-reported outcome of CAMs in a single-center study. Methods: All the consecutive patients treated between November 2017 and June 2018 at the Lucien Neuwirth Cancer Institute (France) were screened. Their reasons for using CAMs and their usage habits were collected. Patients evaluated their benefit. Results: Of the 209 patients screened, 200 patients were included. CAMs ranged from osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, healing touch, magnetism, naturopathy, suction cups, Chinese medicine, reflexology, to hypnosis. CAMs were widely used (n = 166, 83%), the first being osteopathy (n = 99, 49.5%), the second homeopathy (n = 78, 39.0%), and finally acupuncture (n = 76, 38.0%). Whatever the CAM, high satisfaction rates were reported (median satisfaction: 61–81%). CAMs were mainly used to prevent/treat side effects of anticancer treatments (81.2% for healing touch), increase well-being (55.4% for naturopathy), improve the immune system (16.9% for homeopathy), and treat cancer (n = 3, 5.1% for homeopathy). Patients could easily consider using CAMs, as up to 50.8% would have accepted a consultation. Conclusions: The reasons for using CAMs differed among patients. They praised CAMs and kept asking for more information although there is limited evidence about their efficacy in the literature. Thus, prospective randomized controlled trials exploring the safety and efficacy of CAMs in cancer patients are needed.

Fontanieu Gwladys, Darmency Henri

Currently more and more research is being done on integrated weed management to reduce or avoid herbicide use. Some growers are already using isotherapic dilutions to control weeds in organic farming. Isotherapy is different from homeopathy because it uses diluted and potentized (succussed) solutions of alcoholic macerate of the very pest causing health troubles. We set up a germination experiment to test if isotherapic dilutions of leaf macerate of annual ryegrass affect the dynamics of its seed germination in Petri dishes. Our results were diverse, from no effect to 10% more growing degree days necessary to reach 50% germination. It is doubtful that so low an effect will contribute to integrated weed management unless the slightly delayed germination triggers secondary effects at other life stages. This is in accordance with the scientific literature on that topic: two-fifths of the reports showed no effect, two-fifths resulted in positive responses and one-fifth had diverse responses for the criteria tested.

J. Demangeat

Abdulrahman Shuaibu, Bukar Alhaji Grema, Godpower Chinedu Michael

Background: Globally, cervical cancer affects approximately 528,000 women each year, with about 80% of them occurring in developing countries. Developed countries have successfully reduced the incidence of cervical cancer by 70% through organized cervical screening programs. Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the level of Pap smear awareness and utilization among adult females attending the general outpatient clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Northwestern Nigeria, in order to encourage early detection of premalignant cervical cancer. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that assessed Pap smear awareness, utilization, and pattern of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among 422 adult females in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. The sociodemographic characteristics of participants, risk factors of cervical cancer, and awareness and utilization of Pap smears by participants were expressed in means and proportions. The Chi-square test was used to explore associations between categorical variables. Logistic regression was performed to identify the predictors of Pap smear awareness and its utilization among the study participants. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 422 women who participated in the study, the majority (292, 69.2%) had never heard of Pap smear screening while 130 (30.8%) were aware of Pap smear. Similarly, 342 (81.0%) women who participated in the study had never undergone a Pap smear. Three hundred and eight (74%) had normal cytology results, 107 (25%) had inflammatory changes, 4 (0.8%) had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and 1 (0.2%) had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Having higher education and being employed were associated with Pap smear awareness while increasing age and educational level were associated with Pap smear utilization. Conclusion: This study revealed a low awareness and utilization of Pap smear screening in Northwestern Nigeria.

Dawson Church PhD, Dennis House PhD

Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is an evidence-based treatment for depression and anxiety. The current study sought to elucidate the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in a nonclinical population. The sample (N = 81) comprised participants at five 2-day EFT workshops. All groups used an EFT protocol called Borrowing Benefits, in which the group facilitator works with a single client while other participants self-apply EFT. Participants were assessed on 9 specific conditions as well as on the breadth (Positive Symptom Total [PST]) and depth (General Symptom Index [GSI]) of psychological distress. Physical pain and addictive cravings were also assessed. Significant reductions were observed in all measures (P < .03). Associations between PST, GSI, and PTSD were significant (P < .026). Participants maintained all gains at 6-month follow-up (P < .02) with the exception of the Hostility subscale, while Cohen’s d = 0.54 indicated a moderate treatment effect for PTSD. The relationship between psychological and physiological conditions identified in this study is consistent with that found in other studies. Group treatment is cost-effective and efficient, and the efficacy of EFT in groups indicates the utility of the Borrowing Benefits technique.

M. Temgire, A. Suresh, S. Kane et al.

R. Mathie, M. Van Wassenhoven, J. Jacobs et al.