Esther van der Werf - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Esther van der Werf

Integrative Medicine Research

Additional file 1. Questionnaire for prevalence of nocturia among Malaysian adults - English vers... more Additional file 1. Questionnaire for prevalence of nocturia among Malaysian adults - English version.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2022

Introduction Major life changing events such as the COVID-19 pandemic may have major impact on on... more Introduction Major life changing events such as the COVID-19 pandemic may have major impact on one’s health and general well-being. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictive factors, including gender specific differences, of Complementary Medicine (CM) use (including CM consultations, self-care management and self-help techniques) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 in the Netherlands. Methods CM use was studied among a random representative sample (n = 1004) of the adult Dutch population using an online survey conducted from 22–27 May 2020. The survey included a modified version of I-CAM-Q and additional questions on demographic characteristics, reasons for CM use, perceived effectiveness and side effects. Results 68.0% of the participants reported to have used CM (CM consultations (13.3%), self-management strategies (59.4%), self-help techniques (30.0%)). Most frequently reported reason of CM use was to improve general well-being (61.6%), preve...

Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2022

BackgroundThe present study was initiated to determine consultations with health care providers a... more BackgroundThe present study was initiated to determine consultations with health care providers and use of self-management strategies such as herbal remedies, dietary supplements and self-help techniques for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms in countries with a full lockdown (Norway), a partial (’intelligent’) lockdown (the Netherlands) and no lockdown (Sweden) during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and if such use correlates with worries of being infected by COVID-19 disease. MethodsData were collected in collaboration with the global marketing company Ipsos A/S in April-June 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. An adapted version of the I-CAM-Q was used and the categories “for prevention of COVID-19” and “to treat COVID-19-related symptoms” added to the original “reasons for use” options. Data were collected among a representative sample in Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands using data assisted telephone interviews (Norway, n=990 and Sweden, n=500), and an online survey (the Netherlands, n=1004). Total response rate was 30%. ResultsOnly a very small number of people in any of the three countries consulted a health care provider with the intention to treat or prevent COVID-19 (1.2% and 1.0% respectively) with medical doctors mostly visited (1.0% and 0.9%). Similarly, the use of self-management strategies to prevent or treat COVID-19 was low (3.4% and 0.2% respectively); most commonly used were vitamins and minerals (2.8%) for prevention of COVID-19, primarily vitamin C (1.7%), vitamin D (0.9%), and multivitamins (0.5%). Consultations with health care providers and use of self-management strategies for prevention of COVID-19 were positively associated with worries of being infected with COVID-19. No such associations were found for worries about loved ones or the perception that COVID-19 is more dangerous than ordinary influenza. ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic does not seem to have evoked a large-scale difference in behaviour related to consultations with health care providers or the use of self-management strategies such as dietary supplements and self-help techniques in any of the three countries, despite different containment and mitigation measures.

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has a profound impact on physical and mental well-be... more Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has a profound impact on physical and mental well-being throughout the world. Previous studies have revealed that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used for and can be potential beneficial for strengthening physical and mental resilience. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence and associations for use of CAM during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among a representative sample of women and men in Norway. Methods: Computer assisted telephone interviews using an adapted questionnaire (I-CAM-QN) were conducted with 1000 randomly selected Norwegians aged 16 and above using multistage sampling in April and May 2020 applying age and gender quotas for each area. Descriptive statistics were carried out using Pearson's Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Independent samples T-tests to identify group differences. Results: The study revealed that two thirds of the respondents (67%) had used CAM within the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular CAM modalities that did not involve a provider. Most used were CAM natural remedies and dietary supplement (57%), mainly vitamins and minerals (43%), but self-help practices like yoga and meditation were also widely used (24%). Women used these therapies significantly more than men (77% vs. 58%). Conclusions: In summary, it can be concluded that the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has not profoundly changed the overall need of Norwegian citizens to seek for care outside the conventional healthcare system, but rather has caused a shift in the type of CAM modalities used. It remains to be investigated whether this changed pattern is maintained during the whole period of the pandemic. Keywords: Survey, Norway, CAM, COVID-19

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021

Introduction: This study was initiated to determine consultations with health care providers and ... more Introduction: This study was initiated to determine consultations with health care providers and use of self-management strategies such as herbal remedies, dietary supplements and self-help techniques for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms in countries with a full lockdown (Norway), a partial lockdown (the Netherlands) and no lockdown (Sweden) during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data were collected in April-June 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. An adapted version of the I-CAM-Q was used in which the categories 'for prevention of COVID-19′ and 'to treat COVID-19-related symptoms were added as reasons for use. Data were collected among a representative sample using data assisted telephone interviews (Norway, n=990 and Sweden, n=500), and an online survey (the Netherlands, n=1004). Total response rate was 30%. Results: Only a very small number of people in any of the three countries consulted a health care provider with the intention to treat or prevent COVID-19 (1.2% and 1.0% respectively) with medical doctors mostly visited (1.0% and 0.9%). Similarly, the use of self-management strategies to prevent or treat COVID-19 was low (3.4% and 0.2% respectively);most commonly used were vitamins and minerals (2.8%) for prevention of COVID-19, primarily vitamin C (1.7%), vitamin D (0.9%), and multivitamins (0.5%). Consultations with health care providers and use of self-management strategies for prevention of COVID-19 were positively associated with worries of being infected with COVID-19. No such associations were found for worries about loved ones or the perception that COVID-19 is more dangerous than ordinary influenza. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic does not seem to have evoked a large-scale difference in behaviour related to consultations with health care providers or the use of self-management strategies such as dietary supplements and self-help techniques in any of the three countries, despite different containment and mitigation measures. Keywords: COVID-19;Consultations with health care providers;Self-management

Antibiotics, 2021

Due to the excessive use of antibiotic and antimycotic treatments, the risk of resistant microbes... more Due to the excessive use of antibiotic and antimycotic treatments, the risk of resistant microbes and fungi is rapidly emerging. Previous studies have demonstrated that many women with (recurrent) urinary tract infection (UTI) and/or vaginal infections (VIs) welcome alternative management approaches to reduce the use of antibiotics and antifungals and avoid short- and long-term adverse effects. This study aims to determine which complementary medicine (CM) and self-care strategies are being used by women suffering from (recurrent) UTI and VI in The Netherlands and how they perceive their effectiveness in order to define directions for future research on safety, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of best practices. A cross-sectional online survey was performed among women, ≥18 years old, with a history of UTIs; 162 respondents were included in the data analysis, with most participants aged between 50 and 64 years (36.4%). The women reported having consulted a CM practitioner for ...

Journal of Complementary Medicine & Alternative Healthcare, 2018

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020

Bern." is affects the affiliation details for authors Ursula Wolf and Klaus von Ammon. e correcte... more Bern." is affects the affiliation details for authors Ursula Wolf and Klaus von Ammon. e corrected affiliation is updated in the abovementioned author information.

Background: Nocturia is widely prevalent condition with detrimental effects on quality of life an... more Background: Nocturia is widely prevalent condition with detrimental effects on quality of life and general health. In Malaysia, there is a lack of up-to-date prevalence study on nocturia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of nocturia and awareness pertaining to nocturia among Malaysian adults.Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among Malaysian adults aged ≥ 18 years old. The data was collected by mixed mode self-administered questionnaire from May 2019 to September 2019. Nocturia was defined as one or more voids at night.Results: There were a total of 4616 respondents with 74.5% of response rate. The overall prevalence of nocturia among Malaysian adults was found to be 57.3%. In multivariate analysis, respondents aged 31 – 40 (1.91 [1.52 - 2.40]) or > 60 years old (2.03 [1.48 - 2.71]), and those who presented with hypertension (2.84 [2.28 - 3.53]), diabetes mellitus (1.78 [1.42 - 2.25]), renal disease (3.58 [1.93 - 6.63]) or overactive bla...

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has had a profound impact on physical and mental well-be... more BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has had a profound impact on physical and mental well-being throughout the world. Previous studies have revealed that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used for, and can be potential beneficial for strengthening physical mental resilience. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence, associations and reasons for use of CAM during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among a representative sample of the Norwegian population, and determine possible effects and adverse effects of the treatments. MethodsComputer assisted telephone interviews using a COVID-adapted I-CAM-Q questionnaire were conducted with 1008 randomly selected Norwegians aged 16 and above using multistage sampling during April and May 2020 applying age and sex quotas for each area. Descriptive statistics were carried out using Pearson’s Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Independent samples T-tests to identify group differences...

BMC Public Health, 2021

BackgroundDuring the Covid-19 pandemic the Dutch government implemented its so-called ‘intelligen... more BackgroundDuring the Covid-19 pandemic the Dutch government implemented its so-called ‘intelligent lockdown’ in which people were urged to leave their homes as little as possible and work from home. This life changing event may have caused changes in lifestyle behaviour, an important factor in the onset and course of diseases. The overarching aim of this study is to determine life-style related changes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among a representative sample of the adult population in the Netherlands.MethodsLife-style related changes were studied among a random representative sample of the adult population in the Netherlands using an online survey conducted from 22 to 27 May 2020. Differences in COVID-19-related lifestyle changes between Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) users and non-CAM users were determined. The survey included a modified version of the I-CAM-Q and 26 questions on lifestyle related measures, anxiety, and need for support to maintain...

BMJ Open, 2020

ObjectiveThe gut microbiota influences many aspects of human health. We investigated the magnitud... more ObjectiveThe gut microbiota influences many aspects of human health. We investigated the magnitude and duration of changes in gut microbiota in response to antibiotics commonly prescribed in UK primary care.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and AMED, all years up to May 2020 including all study designs, collecting and analysing data on the effect of antibiotics prescribed for respiratory and urinary tract infections. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Cochrane standard methods. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Narrative synthesis was used to report the themes emerging from the data.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcomes were antibiotic-induced changes in the composition and/or diversity of the gut microbiota. Secondary outcome was the time for the microbiota to return to baseline.ResultsThirty-one articles with low or unclear risk of bias showed that antibiotics impact the gut microbiota by ...

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020

Most Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) interventions have not been tested in clinical tr... more Most Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) interventions have not been tested in clinical trials and systematic reviews (SRs). It is therefore important to collect knowledge from experienced practitioners to identify (lower level) evidence to support their use and to prioritize interventions for future research. This study aimed to document the CAM treatments for cough and sore throat as part of uncomplicated, acute respiratory tract infections (RTI), most frequently recommended by experienced integrative medical practitioners; and to assess whether these approaches have been tested in clinical trials and SRs. Methods: Data on treatment approaches were collected by means of (1) a SR on prescription rates of CAM treatments for RTIs in CAM practice by searching Pubmed and CINAHL databases; and (2) a survey among integrative medical doctors and TCM practitioners in five European countries. Results: The SR identified 336 articles. After screening five studies were included (Anthroposophic Medicine (AM): two and homeopathy (HOM): three). The survey resulted in 262 responses (including 99 AM and 95 HOM experts). Of 19 products that were described in both the SR and the survey, two (22%) AM (Hustenelixier, Echinacea) and three (30%) homeopathic products (Belladonna, Hepar sulphuris, Mercurius solubilis) had been studied in a clinical trial and one AM treatment (Echinacea) in a SR for this indication. Conclusions: CAM treatments for RTI related cough and sore throat were identified (medicinal products, syrup, external applications, tea and acupuncture). These treatments have hardly been studied in clinical trials (26%) and SRs (5%) and require further evaluation. 1. Background 1.1. The AMR problem Resistance to antibiotics is a complex and growing international public health problem with important consequences such as increased mortality and economic impact [1]. In most global, regional and national policies on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), six main strategies are used to achieve the goal of reducing the AMR problem: infection prevention and control of resistant bacteria, monitoring of both infection prevention and control of resistant bacteria, research on antibiotic resistance and antibiotic use, appropriate use of antibiotics (e.g. not for viral infections), less antibiotic use (e.g. delayed prescription and alternatives), and development of new antibiotics [2]. In human medicine, Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatment strategies, including CAM medicinal products and fever management strategies, are not included in these official AMR policies [3]. However, national guidelines for uncomplicated, acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in many EU countries demonstrate entry points for delayed prescription and options for CAM treatments as part of delayed

Respiratory Research, 2020

Background Antibiotics are overused in patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections (AL... more Background Antibiotics are overused in patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs), but less is known about their use in patients with asthma, or the use of asthma medication for ALRTI in patients without asthma. Our aim was to describe the frequency, variation and drivers in antibiotic and asthma medication prescribing for ALRTI in adults with and without asthma in primary care. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of patients aged ≥12 years, diagnosed with an ALRTI in primary care in 2014–15 was conducted using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Current asthma status, asthma medication and oral antibiotic use within 3 days of ALRTI infection was determined. Treatment frequency was calculated by asthma status. Mixed-effect regression models were used to explore between-practice variation and treatment determinants. Results There were 127,976 ALRTIs reported among 110,418 patients during the study period, of whom 17,952 (16%) had asthma. Respec...

La Revue d'Homéopathie, 2019

Following a PROSPERO-registered protocol, a systematic search of the literature was performed to ... more Following a PROSPERO-registered protocol, a systematic search of the literature was performed to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of homeopathic interventions in human infectious diseases involving antibiotic use. Databases searched included PubMed, PubMed Central and Cor-eHom. Relevant data from the eligible full-text articles were extracted and study outcome data relating to antibiotic usage, the effectiveness/efficacy and the safety of homeopathy were summarised. The quality of each identified primary clinical study was assessed independently by two researchers and consensus reached through discussion: risk of bias in the RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane ROB tool, and the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) assessment tool was used for observational studies.

Journal of Fungi, 2019

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is predicted to increase to almost 158 million cases an... more Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is predicted to increase to almost 158 million cases annually by 2030. Extensive self-diagnosis and easily accessible over-the-counter (OTC) fungistatic drugs contribute to antifungal-resistance, illustrating the need for novel therapies. Honey possesses multiple antimicrobial mechanisms, and there is no antimicrobial resistance towards honey reported. We evaluated the susceptibility of five clinical isolates of Candida albicans and a control strain to regular honey and a medical grade honey (MGH) gel formulation (L-Mesitran, containing 40% honey and vitamins C and E) using an adapted version of the EUCAST protocol at pH 5.2, 4.6, and 4.0. 40% regular honey did not kill or inhibit C. albicans. In contrast, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of L-Mesitran was 25%–50%, while fungicidal effects occurred at a 50% concentration (MBC) of the MGH formulation, except for one strain which was not killed at pH 4.0. Overall, pH had little effec...

British Journal of General Practice, 2019

BackgroundSeverity assessments of respiratory tract infection (RTI) in children are known to diff... more BackgroundSeverity assessments of respiratory tract infection (RTI) in children are known to differ between parents and clinicians, but determinants of perceived severity are unknown.AimTo investigate the (dis)agreement between, and compare the determinants of, parent and clinician severity scores.Design and settingSecondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study of 8394 children presenting to primary care with acute (≤28 days) cough and RTI.MethodData on sociodemographic factors, parent-reported symptoms, clinician-reported findings, and severity assessments were used. Kappa (κ)-statistics were used to investigate (dis) agreement, whereas multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with illness severity.ResultsParents reported higher illness severity (mean 5.2 [standard deviation (SD) 1.8], median 5 [interquartile range (IQR) 4–7]), than clinicians (mean 3.1 [SD 1.7], median 3 [IQR 2–4], P<0.0001). There was low positive correlation be...

Integrative Medicine Research

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2022

Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2022

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021

Antibiotics, 2021

Journal of Complementary Medicine & Alternative Healthcare, 2018

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020

BMC Public Health, 2021

BMJ Open, 2020

European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020

Respiratory Research, 2020

La Revue d'Homéopathie, 2019

Journal of Fungi, 2019

British Journal of General Practice, 2019