BackgroundThe WHO estimates that a considerable number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) rely on traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) to meet their primary healthcare needs, yet there remains a dearth of research evidence on the overall picture of TCAM utilisation in the region.MethodsWe conducted a literature search of original articles examining TCAM use in SSA between 1 January 2006 and 28 February 2017, employing Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Scopus, ProQuest, PubMed, Embase and African Journals Online databases. A critical appraisal of relevant articles reporting a quantitative or mixed-method design was undertaken.ResultsDespite the heterogeneity and general low quality of the identified literature, the review highlights a relatively high use of TCAM alone or in combination with orthodox medicine, in both general population and in specific health conditions in SSA. TCAM users compared with non-TCAM users are more likely to be of low socioeconomic and educational status, while there were inconsistencies in age, sex, spatial location and religious affiliation between TCAM users and non-TCAM users. Most TCAM users (55.8%–100%) in SSA fail to disclose TCAM use to their healthcare providers, with the main reasons for non-disclosure being fear of receiving improper care, healthcare providers’ negative attitude and a lack of enquiry about TCAM use from healthcare providers.ConclusionTCAM use in SSA is significant, although most studies emerge from a few countries. Factors associated with TCAM use in SSA are similar to those observed in other regions, but further research may be required to further elucidate challenges and opportunities related to TCAM use specific to SSA.

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that complementary medicine (CM) services are being used by a substantial proportion of the Australian population and this topic has attracted keen interest from primary health care providers and policy makers. This article outlines the first summative critical review of the predictors of CM use in Australia as well as the characteristics and perceptions of Australian CM users over the last 14 years.MethodsA literature search was conducted to ascertain original research from 2000 to 2014 in the AMED; CINAHL; and PubMed databases. Selected articles were subject to a critical appraisal analysis to identify the quality of the article. The search was confined to peer reviewed original articles published in English which identified the nature of CM services use in Australia.ResultsThe findings indicate a correlation between CM users and gender, with reports of a higher rate of use from females compared to males. Female CM users are more likely to be middle-aged with a higher education and higher annual income in comparison to female non-CM users. An association between resident location and use of CM disciplines was also identified with reports of rural residents utilising manual therapies more frequently compared to urban residents. CM users are more likely to seek CM services for a range of chronic conditions including diseases identified as National Health Priority Areas by the Australian Government.ConclusionsThis article provides the first comprehensive review examining the nature of CM use in Australia. The review findings offer important insights into the characteristics and features of CM use in Australia and provide insights for national and regional primary health care initiatives and of interest to medical doctors, allied health professionals, CM practitioners, researchers and policy makers.

objective A myriad of physical and psychosocial sequelae have been reported among Ebola survivors from previous Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks, including the most recent in West Africa. This review examines the various forms of psychological distress experienced by EVD survivors, family and community reactions to EVD survivors and EVD survivors' coping mechanisms. methods We conducted a literature search of original articles employing Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, EBSCO host academic search complete, PsycINFO (EBSCO) and Embase databases.results Our search identified 1890 articles of which 24 met our inclusion criteria. Various forms of psychological distress were prevalent among EVD survivors including depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, flashbacks, sadness, worthlessness, substance addiction, suicidal tendencies and selfstigmatisation. Family and community responses to EVD survivors ranged from acceptance to rejection, isolation, stigmatisation and discrimination. EVD survivors' coping strategies included engagement with religious faith, EVD survivors associations and involvement in EVD prevention and control interventions.conclusion Psychological distress, including that resulting from family and community stigma and discrimination, appears common among EVD survivors. Community-based mental health and psychosocial interventions integrated within a broader package of care for EVD survivors that also recognises the physical health challenges are required. Well-designed longitudinal studies can provide clear insights on the nature and trajectory of the psychosocial issues currently experienced by EVD survivors.