In this narrative review, we found numerous reports suggesting that dogs and cats may play a role in household methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) transmission and recurrent MRSA infection in human contacts. Future work should emphasize elucidating more clearly the prevalence of MRSA in household pets and characterize transmission dynamics of MRSA humans and pet animals.
Purpose
Hot flashes (HFs) are a particularly common and distressing symptom in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Given its low rate of side effects, acupuncture shows promise as a therapeutic approach for HFs but little is known about BCS’s decision-making about use of acupuncture. This study seeks to identify attitudes and beliefs about using acupuncture for HFs by BCS.
Methods
Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a conceptual framework, we conducted semi-structured interviews among women with stage I–III breast cancer who had finished primary treatment and were currently experiencing HFs. Interviews were taped, transcribed, and coded. We used a modified grounded theory approach to analyze the data.
Results
Twenty-five BCS (13 Caucasian/12 African American) participated in the study. Respondents stated that their intended use of acupuncture for HFs would be dependent on: 1) Expected therapeutic effects (e.g. pain relief, energy); 2) Practical concerns (e.g. fear of needles, practitioner experience, time commitment); and 3) Source of decision support/validation (e.g. family members, physicians, self). Although constructs in the TPB accounted for many decision factors, respondents identified two major themes outside of the TPB: 1) Viewing acupuncture as a natural alternative to medications, and 2) Assessing the degree of HFs as bothersome enough in the context of other medical co-morbidities to trigger the need for therapy.
Conclusion
BCS expressed varied expected therapeutic benefits, practical concerns, and decision support, emphasizing the “natural appeal” and symptom appraisal as key determinants in using acupuncture for HFs. Incorporating these factors in counseling BCS may promote patient-centered communication leading to improved hot flash management and quality of life.
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