1 Assessment Description
Using the NIH website, how would you describe CAM and the typical person who uses CAM? 400 words 2 references
2 Assessment Description
What are the percentages of people using CAM with prayer and those who do not? 400 words 2 references
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In the field of medicine, it is important for medical students to understand the role and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patient care. As a medical professor, I have designed an assignment that will allow my students to explore the topic of CAM and its use among different populations. In this assignment, students will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website to research and answer questions related to CAM and its prevalence in society.
1. Using the NIH website, how would you describe CAM and the typical person who uses CAM? (400 words, 2 references)
CAM refers to a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that are not typically considered part of conventional Western medicine. Examples of CAM include acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine, meditation, and yoga. The NIH defines CAM as “a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine.”
The typical person who uses CAM can vary depending on the type of CAM used. However, research has shown that people who use CAM tend to be predominantly women and have higher levels of education and income. CAM users also tend to have a chronic health condition and use CAM as a means of managing their symptoms or improving their quality of life.
Studies have also shown that people who use CAM may be seeking a more holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes the mind-body connection. CAM therapies, such as meditation and mindfulness practices, focus on calming the mind, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation, which can have a positive impact on physical and mental health.
References:
1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021). What is CAM? Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/what-is-cam
2. Clarke, T. C., Black, L. I., Stussman, B. J., Barnes, P. M., & Nahin, R. L. (2015). Trends in the use of complementary health approaches among adults: United States, 2002-2012. National Health Statistics Reports, 79, 1-16.
2. What are the percentages of people using CAM with prayer and those who do not? (400 words, 2 references)
Prayer is one of the most commonly used forms of CAM worldwide. Many people use prayer to cope with stress or anxiety, to find comfort in times of illness or hardship, or to seek spiritual guidance or healing. According to a 2012 National Health Interview Survey, approximately 43% of adults in the United States reported using some form of CAM in the past 12 months. Of these individuals, about 29% used prayer for health reasons.
Research on the use of prayer as a form of CAM has shown mixed results. Some studies have found that prayer can have positive effects on physical and mental health outcomes, while others have not found any significant benefits. In addition, prayer can be practiced in different ways, including individual or group prayer, and with a religious or spiritual focus.
It is also important to note that some individuals may choose to use CAM alongside conventional medical treatments, while others may use CAM in place of conventional treatments. The use of CAM is a personal decision and should be based on informed discussions with healthcare providers.
References:
1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021). Prayer and Meditation for Health. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/prayer-and-meditation-for-health
2. Clarke, T. C., Black, L. I., Stussman, B. J., Barnes, P. M., & Nahin, R. L. (2015). Trends in the use of complementary health approaches among adults: United States, 2002-2012. National Health Statistics Reports, 79, 1-16.
