Radmila Razlog

Background: The quality of homeopathic research studies is controversially discussed. In order to improve, the overall assessment of homeopathic studies and subsequently facilitate evidence-based clinical decision-making, we aimed to combine methodological tools for scientific rigor with tools for external and model validity into one global tool. Method: Against the background of previous literature and the results of a preparatory survey, a first draft of a potential overarching tool was presented to an expert panel. Then, Delphi feedback rounds were conducted to elicit responses on the feasibility. The resulting preliminary tool was pilot-tested by five research experts on five randomly selected studies. After further optimization, another five studies were assessed by the same experts and another three experts tested the second version. The ratings were tested for interrater-reliability using Gwet’s AC2. Results: The appraisal tool comprises four domains. These are (1) the assessment of risk-of-bias using the Cochrane Tool, (2) the studies’ credibility including the CONSORT statement and its extension on homeopathy, (3) the study interventions’ coherence with homeopathic textbooks and previous research, and (4) the studies’ clinical relevance. Each domain is assessed using a point system, which is then added up to an overall score. The instrument was evaluated as useful and “easy to apply” by the raters. The interrater reliability was 0.81 (95% CI 0.75–0.88) for five raters, and 0.64 (95% CI 0.49–0.79) for additional three raters in round 2, signifying good to moderate interrater reliability. Conclusion: We have developed an applicable and reliable assessment tool for homeopathic intervention studies. Using it in systematic reviews and meta-analyses will increase their scientific value.

Background. Complementary medicines (CMs) for infantile colic are widely available on the South African market, in various pharmacies and retail outlets, without the need for a prescription. Pharmacists therefore have an important role to play in educating patients about safe and appropriate use of CM products. Objectives. To investigate the perceptions and prescribing patterns of CMs for infantile colic by pharmacists and pharmacist assistants employed in the greater Johannesburg area. Methods. We used a quantitative approach with a descriptive survey design. A total of 100 pharmacists and pharmacist assistants registered with the South African Pharmacy Council completed a pen-and-paper questionnaire. Results. Many participants reported recommending both conventional and CMs for infantile colic and, overall, positive perceptions of CM were reported. Most participants agreed that they had a responsibility to counsel patients on the use of CM but felt that they needed to expand their own knowledge base. Conclusions. There appears to be a positive shift towards CM for the treatment of infantile colic; however, improved training is needed to ensure pharmacists and pharmacist assistants are better informed regarding CM products in order to give appropriate advice to patients.

Student engagement plays an important role in promoting student success at higher education institutions. It is of profound significance to improve student engagement through the utilisation of effective pedagogical approaches, such as game-based learning. However, there is a lack of study in the South African context focusing on game-based learning at higher education institutions. This study aimed to explore students’ views and experiences on game-based learning at an identified university in South Africa. The constructivism learning theory was anchored in this study as a theoretical lens. In this study, the authors adopted a qualitative single case study design within an interpretivist paradigm. A purposive sampling technique was followed to recruit participants from a public university in South Africa since it is the only university that provides acupuncture programmes in this country. Six participants were recruited for this study. The authors utilised thematic analysis to analyse the data. The findings of this study revealed that participants shared positive views and attitudes toward game-based learning. They believed that game-based learning significantly motivated them in the learning process. Furthermore, game-based learning also reduced their stress in learning compared to the learning in normal classrooms. They reported that game-based learning not only improved their engagement in learning but also enhanced their knowledge and skills. This study also highlighted that game-based learning should be well-planned to avoid demotivating students. It can be concluded that game-based learning is an effective approach to improve student engagement. Further studies should be conducted with diverse research approaches at different higher education institutions.

The most prevalent type of gynecological malignancy globally is cervical cancer (CC). Complicated by tumor resistance and metastasis, it remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in South Africa. Early CC is managed by hysterectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and more recently, immunotherapy. Although these treatments provide clinical benefits, many patients experience adverse effects and secondary CC spread. To minimize this, novel and innovative treatment methods need to be investigated. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an advantageous treatment modality that is non-invasive, with limited side effects. The Cannabis sativa L. plant isolate, cannabidiol (CBD), has anti-cancer effects, which inhibit tumor growth and spread. This study investigated the cytotoxic combinative effect of PDT and CBD on CC HeLa cells. The effects were assessed by exposing in vitro HeLa CC-cultured cells to varying doses of ZnPcS₄ photosensitizer (PS) PDT and CBD, with a fluency of 10 J/cm² and 673 nm irradiation. HeLa CC cells, which received the predetermined lowest dose concentrations (ICD₅₀) of 0.125 µM ZnPcS₄ PS plus 0.5 µM CBD to yield 50% cytotoxicity post-laser irradiation, reported highly significant and advantageous forms of cell death. Flow cytometry cell death pathway quantitative analysis showed that only 13% of HeLa cells were found to be viable, 7% were in early apoptosis and 64% were in late favorable forms of apoptotic cell death, with a minor 16% of necrosis post-PDT. Findings suggest that this combined treatment approach can possibly induce primary cellular destruction, as well as limit CC metastatic spread, and so warrants further investigation.

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Hypertension is a primary risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and affects more than a quarter of the global adult population. Africa is a continent where the prevalence of non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular disease and hypertension, is increasing rapidly. Botswana is a developing country in Sub-Saharan Africa. In such contexts the early identification of hypertension, through community screening initiatives, is an important tool for the management of cardiovascular disease in the population. Objective: To investigate and describe the prevalence of hypertension in a sample of community members residing in a low-income peri-urban setting in Gaborone, Botswana. Method: 364 adult participants had their blood pressures measured during a community health screening exercise. The values were analysed and categorised using the American Heart Association classification scale as either being normal, elevated, hypertensive stage 1 or hypertensive stage 2. Results: 234/364 (64%) of participants were found to have blood pressures within normal limits. 53/364 (15%) had elevated blood pressures, 57/364 (16%) were in hypertensive stage 1 and 20/364 (5%) were in hypertensive stage 2.Conclusions: Hypertension in Africa is a growing concern. Botswana appears to be no exception with a 36% prevalence of abnormal blood pressures being recorded. However, the majority of these were classified as elevated or stage 1. Early identification and treatment of hypertension in these early stages can significantly decrease the risk of developing stage 2 hypertension and the related systemic complications.

Interprofessional education (IPE) is a practical pedagogical approach to strengthening teaching and learning in higher education to improve students' competencies. These competencies include an enhanced understanding of content knowledge and skills from different professions. To ensure quality teaching and learning, it is envisaged that IPE will strengthen and advance the knowledge and skills of students. The COVID-19 pandemic offered the opportunity to adopt multiple approaches to support students in acquiring the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes towards the programme through the support of interprofessional educators and resources. However, there is a lack of research to explore students' experiences and views on IPE in an acupuncture programme within the South African context, particularly with technologies. This study was anchored in the Technological, Pedagogical, Content Knowledge model as a theoretical lens to explore students' experiences of the IPE using technologies. The authors employed an interpretivist paradigm within a qualitative case study design. They used purposive sampling as a technique since the participants in this study were acupuncture students at a South African university. The researchers interviewed six (6)undergraduate students for this study. The findings revealed that students showed positive attitudes towards IPE. They believed the IPE would improve their competencies in clinical practice. Results also suggested that specific programmes should allocate sufficient time for IPE. Institutions should provide professional training to academics since IPE require more comprehensive content knowledge and pedagogical approaches. To promote effective teaching and learning, IPE should be the norm at universities. Universities should provide relevant support for the appropriate implementation of IPE from policy and resource perspectives.

Background: The increased popularity of complementary medicine has created the need for patients to receive accurate information from nurses who are front-line healthcare providers. Studies have demonstrated that patients are more likely to discuss other medication and therapy use with nurses, rather than with general practitioners or other health professionals. It is, therefore, important to determine nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards complementary medicine. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward the use of complementary medicine. Setting: The study was conducted with Baccalaureus Curationis (nursing) students registered at a large public university in Gauteng, South Africa. Methods: This research utilised a quantitative approach with a prospective, descriptive survey design. A convenience sample comprising registered Baccalaureus Curationis nursing students (n = 202) was utilized. Participants completed a 34-item, paper-and-pencil questionnaire to determine their knowledge, personal use and attitude toward complementary medicine modalities. Results: Questionnaires were completed by 126 nursing students with 119 questionnaires included for analysis. Despite a reported lack of knowledge regarding complementary medicine and limited personal use, participants had an overall positive attitude towards complementary medicine. Almost half of the participants reported enquiring about its use in history taking and were willing to refer patients to a complementary medicine practitioner. Conclusion: A positive attitude towards complementary medicine modalities might suggest a willingness from students to improve their knowledge of the various modalities and to refer to a complementary medicine practitioner when indicated.

Background: Infantile colic is a self-limiting condition, characterised by spasmodic, excessive and inconsolable crying without apparent cause. Although common, there is no widely accepted conventional treatment approach for colic. Complementary medicine is often promoted as an alternative therapeutic option for infantile colic; however, there is limited research available on its use, safety and effectiveness.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic by means of the Infantile Colic Questionnaire.Setting: Mothers of infants who had colic were recruited from complementary medicine pharmacies, schools, baby clinics and various businesses in Gauteng, South Africa.Methods: A quantitative-descriptive design was used whereby data was collected through a randomised, cross-sectional questionnaire. The research sample consisted of 152 participants (mothers), aged between 18 and 45 years, with one or more children who suffered from symptoms of infantile colic, who had used complementary medicine as a form of treatment.Results: Results indicated that most participants made use of both complementary and conventional medicines for their infant’s colic; the most commonly used complementary medicine products were homeopathic remedies, probiotics and herbal medicines. Some participants were, however, unfamiliar with the term ‘complementary medicine’, indicating a need for further patient education.Conclusions: The participants perceived complementary medicines as safe and effective forms of treatment for infantile colic. However, further, larger scale studies should be conducted to validate this finding.