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Traditional patient misconceptions about the causes and care of the common cold

Year 2016, Volume: 16 Issue: 3, 263 - 269, 23.09.2016
https://doi.org/10.17098/amj.88183

Abstract

Objectives: Common cold is often caused by rhinovirus. It is a mild and self-limiting illness that almost always resolves spontaneously. To date there is no effective treatment for common cold and the routine use of antibiotics for the common cold is not recommended. The cold-related knowledge and beliefs of people may not correspond with current medical opinion. Knowledge and beliefs may differ on the basis of a person’s ethnicity or socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to investigate the beliefs about causes and management of common cold among Turkish people.

Material and Methods: This study was conducted in a family health care center in Adana city, located at Mediterranean region of Turkey. 146 participants attended to this descriptive study. The participants fulfilled a questionnaire developed by the researchers.

Results: Of the participants, 73.28 % were female and mean age was 37.13±12.01 years. There was a statistically significant difference between male and female participants’ occupation (p<0.001) and education levels (p=0.01). People believed that heat transfers by conduction or convection lead to common cold.  42(28.76%) subjects thought that those heat transfers caused fever. There was a statistically significant difference between male and female participants’ belief about “drinking cold water when sweaty causes common cold” (p=0.044). 30 (20.54%) participants used antibiotic for common cold.

Conclusion: Superstitious beliefs about common cold were frequent in Turkey. People need to be informed about the causes of common cold and antibiotic misuse.

References

  • Schoor JV. Colds, flu and coughing: a review of over-the-counter cold and flu medicines (review). South African Family Medicine 2013;55:334.
  • Allan GM, Arroll B. Prevention and treatment of the common cold: making sense of the evidence. CMAJ 2014;186:190–9.
  • Chen W, Liu B, Wang L, Ren J, Liu J. Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of the common cold: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. BMC Comp Alter Med 2014;14:273.
  • Hai-Long Z, Shimin C, Yalan L. Some Chinese folk prescriptions for wind-cold type common cold. J Tradit Complement Med 2015;5(3):135-7.
  • Simasek M, Blandino DA. Treatment of the common cold. Am Fam Physician 2007;75:515–20.
  • Chen W, Lewith G, Wang L-q, Ren J, Xiong W-j, Lu F et al. Chinese Proprietary Herbal Medicine Listed in ‘China National Essential Drug List’ for Common Cold: A Systematic Literature Review. PLoS One 2014;9(10):e110560.
  • Yang J, Jianping L, Liangduo J. Guidelines on common cold for Traditional Chinese Medicine based on pattern differentiation. J Tradit Chin Med 2013;33:417–22.
  • Braun BL, Fowles JB, Solberg L, Kind E, Healey M, Anderson R. Patient Beliefs about the Characteristics, Causes, and Care of the Common Cold. J Fam Pract 2000;49(2):153-6.
  • Hilding DA. Literature review: the common cold. ENT J 1994;73:639-47.
  • John H Felts, Richard Lower: Anatomist and Physiologist. Ann Intern Med 2000;132:420-3.
  • Andrewes CH. Adventures among viruses. III. The puzzle of the common cold. N Eng Med J 1950;242:235-40.
  • Dowling HF, Jackson GG, Irwin G, Spiesman IG, Inouye T. Transmission of the common cold to volunteers under controlled conditions. II. The effect of chilling of the subject upon susceptibility. Am J Hygiene 1958;66:59-65.
  • Douglas RGJ, Lindgren KM, Couch RB. Exposure to cold environment and rhinovirus common cold. Failure to demonstrate effect. N Eng Med J 1968;279:742-7.
  • White DO, Brown L. Respiratory viruses. In: A. Gronoff, R. Webser (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Virology, Volume 3. San Diego: Academic Press; 1999.
  • Akova S. The Relationship of Superstitions and Metaphors with the Field of Advertising. In: Filiz Okay Demir, Ed. Mystic Marketing, İstanbul: Medicat Yayınları; 2011:131.
  • Ayhan İ, Yarar F. The Psychology of Superstitions. Pivolka 2005;4:15-9.
  • Büken Örnek N. Folkloric Values and Folkloric Medicine. T Klin Tıp Etigi-Hukuku-Tarihi 2003;11:45-8.
  • Klonoff EA, Landrine H. Culture and gender diversity in common sense beliefs about the causes of six illnesses. J Behav Med 1994;17(4):407-18.
  • Dalal S, Zhukovsky DS. Pathophysiology and Management of Fever. J Support Oncol 2006;49:16.
  • Biem J, Koehncke N, Classen D, Dosman J. Out of the cold: management of hypothermia and frostbite. CMAJ 2003;168(3):305.
  • Holmer I, Hassi J, Ikäheimo TM, Jaakkola JJK. Cold Stress: Effects on Performance and Health. In: Bingham E, Cohrssen B, Eds. Patty’s Toxicology, Sixth Edition. Volume 6, New York: John Wiley & Sons; 2012.
  • Eccles R. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Lancet Infec Dis 2005;5:723.
  • Belongia EA, Naimi TS, Gale CM, Besser RE. Antibiotic use and upper respiratory infections: a survey of knowledge, attitudes, and experience in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Prev Med 2002;34(3):346-52.
  • Brink AJ, Cotton M, Feldman C, et al. Updated guideline for the management of upper respiratory tract infections in South Africa: 2014. S Afr Med J 2015;105(5):7390.
  • Francois Watkins LK, Sanchez GV, Albert AP, Roberts RM, Hicks LA. Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Antibiotic Use among Adult Consumers, Adult Hispanic Consumers, and Health Care Providers - United States, 2012-2013. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep; 2015;64(28):767-70.
  • Yayla ME, Binen E. Patient’s Attitudes and Beliefs about Using Drugs for Sore Throat in Primary Care. Global J Medical Res 2013.

Hastaların Soğuk Algınlığının Sebepleri ve Tedavisi ile İlgili Geleneksel Yanlış İnanışları

Year 2016, Volume: 16 Issue: 3, 263 - 269, 23.09.2016
https://doi.org/10.17098/amj.88183

Abstract

Amaç: Soğuk algınlığına sıklıkla rhinovirusler neden olur. Hafif ve kendi kendini sınırlayan  ve çoğunlukla spontan olarak geçen bir  hastalıktır. Soğuk algınlığının günümüzde etkili bir tedavisi yoktur ve soğuk algınlığı için rutin antibiyotik tedavisi önerilmemektedir. İnsanların soğuk algınlığına ilişkin bilgi ve inanışları güncel tıbbi görüşle uyuşmayabilir. Bilgi ve inanış, kişinin etnik kökeni veya sosyoekonomik düzeyi ile değişebilir. Bu çalışmanın amacı Türk halkının soğuk algınlığı sebep ve yönetimi hakkındaki inanışlarını araştırmaktır.

Materyal ve Metodlar: Bu çalışma Türkiye’nin Akdeniz Bölgesi’nde yer alan Adana ilindeki bie aile sağlığı merkezinde yapılmıştır. Bu tanımlayıcı çalışmaya 146 katılımcı katıldı. Katılımcılar araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan soru formunu doldurdu.

Bulgular: Katılımcıların % 73,28’i kadın ve ortalama yaşları 37,13±12,01 yıldı. İstatistiksel olarak erkek ve kadın katılımcıların meslekleri (p<0,001) ve eğitim seviyeleri (p=0,01). arasında anlamlı fark vardı. Katılanlar kondüksiyon veya konveksiyon ile ısı transferinin soğuk algınlığına yol açtığına inanıyordu. 42(%28,76) kişi ısı iletiminin ateşe neden olduğuna inanıyordu. Erkek ve kadın katılımcılar arasında “terliyken soğuk su içmek soğuk algınlığına neden olur” kanısına inanışta istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark vardı (p=0,044). 30 (%20,54) katılımcı soğuk algınlığı için antibiyotik kullanmaktaydı.

Sonuç: Türkiye’de soğuk algınlığı hakkında batıl inanışlar yaygındır. Toplum soğuk algınlığının sebepleri hakkında ve yerinde antibiyotik kullanımı hakkında bilgilendirilmelidir.

References

  • Schoor JV. Colds, flu and coughing: a review of over-the-counter cold and flu medicines (review). South African Family Medicine 2013;55:334.
  • Allan GM, Arroll B. Prevention and treatment of the common cold: making sense of the evidence. CMAJ 2014;186:190–9.
  • Chen W, Liu B, Wang L, Ren J, Liu J. Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of the common cold: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. BMC Comp Alter Med 2014;14:273.
  • Hai-Long Z, Shimin C, Yalan L. Some Chinese folk prescriptions for wind-cold type common cold. J Tradit Complement Med 2015;5(3):135-7.
  • Simasek M, Blandino DA. Treatment of the common cold. Am Fam Physician 2007;75:515–20.
  • Chen W, Lewith G, Wang L-q, Ren J, Xiong W-j, Lu F et al. Chinese Proprietary Herbal Medicine Listed in ‘China National Essential Drug List’ for Common Cold: A Systematic Literature Review. PLoS One 2014;9(10):e110560.
  • Yang J, Jianping L, Liangduo J. Guidelines on common cold for Traditional Chinese Medicine based on pattern differentiation. J Tradit Chin Med 2013;33:417–22.
  • Braun BL, Fowles JB, Solberg L, Kind E, Healey M, Anderson R. Patient Beliefs about the Characteristics, Causes, and Care of the Common Cold. J Fam Pract 2000;49(2):153-6.
  • Hilding DA. Literature review: the common cold. ENT J 1994;73:639-47.
  • John H Felts, Richard Lower: Anatomist and Physiologist. Ann Intern Med 2000;132:420-3.
  • Andrewes CH. Adventures among viruses. III. The puzzle of the common cold. N Eng Med J 1950;242:235-40.
  • Dowling HF, Jackson GG, Irwin G, Spiesman IG, Inouye T. Transmission of the common cold to volunteers under controlled conditions. II. The effect of chilling of the subject upon susceptibility. Am J Hygiene 1958;66:59-65.
  • Douglas RGJ, Lindgren KM, Couch RB. Exposure to cold environment and rhinovirus common cold. Failure to demonstrate effect. N Eng Med J 1968;279:742-7.
  • White DO, Brown L. Respiratory viruses. In: A. Gronoff, R. Webser (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Virology, Volume 3. San Diego: Academic Press; 1999.
  • Akova S. The Relationship of Superstitions and Metaphors with the Field of Advertising. In: Filiz Okay Demir, Ed. Mystic Marketing, İstanbul: Medicat Yayınları; 2011:131.
  • Ayhan İ, Yarar F. The Psychology of Superstitions. Pivolka 2005;4:15-9.
  • Büken Örnek N. Folkloric Values and Folkloric Medicine. T Klin Tıp Etigi-Hukuku-Tarihi 2003;11:45-8.
  • Klonoff EA, Landrine H. Culture and gender diversity in common sense beliefs about the causes of six illnesses. J Behav Med 1994;17(4):407-18.
  • Dalal S, Zhukovsky DS. Pathophysiology and Management of Fever. J Support Oncol 2006;49:16.
  • Biem J, Koehncke N, Classen D, Dosman J. Out of the cold: management of hypothermia and frostbite. CMAJ 2003;168(3):305.
  • Holmer I, Hassi J, Ikäheimo TM, Jaakkola JJK. Cold Stress: Effects on Performance and Health. In: Bingham E, Cohrssen B, Eds. Patty’s Toxicology, Sixth Edition. Volume 6, New York: John Wiley & Sons; 2012.
  • Eccles R. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Lancet Infec Dis 2005;5:723.
  • Belongia EA, Naimi TS, Gale CM, Besser RE. Antibiotic use and upper respiratory infections: a survey of knowledge, attitudes, and experience in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Prev Med 2002;34(3):346-52.
  • Brink AJ, Cotton M, Feldman C, et al. Updated guideline for the management of upper respiratory tract infections in South Africa: 2014. S Afr Med J 2015;105(5):7390.
  • Francois Watkins LK, Sanchez GV, Albert AP, Roberts RM, Hicks LA. Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Antibiotic Use among Adult Consumers, Adult Hispanic Consumers, and Health Care Providers - United States, 2012-2013. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep; 2015;64(28):767-70.
  • Yayla ME, Binen E. Patient’s Attitudes and Beliefs about Using Drugs for Sore Throat in Primary Care. Global J Medical Res 2013.
There are 26 citations in total.

Details

Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Fatma Gökşin Cihan

Muhteşem Erol Yayla

Erdinç Yavuz

Publication Date September 23, 2016
Published in Issue Year 2016 Volume: 16 Issue: 3

Cite

APA Cihan, F. G., Yayla, M. E., & Yavuz, E. (2016). Traditional patient misconceptions about the causes and care of the common cold. Ankara Medical Journal, 16(3), 263-269. https://doi.org/10.17098/amj.88183
AMA Cihan FG, Yayla ME, Yavuz E. Traditional patient misconceptions about the causes and care of the common cold. Ankara Med J. September 2016;16(3):263-269. doi:10.17098/amj.88183
Chicago Cihan, Fatma Gökşin, Muhteşem Erol Yayla, and Erdinç Yavuz. “Traditional Patient Misconceptions about the Causes and Care of the Common Cold”. Ankara Medical Journal 16, no. 3 (September 2016): 263-69. https://doi.org/10.17098/amj.88183.
EndNote Cihan FG, Yayla ME, Yavuz E (September 1, 2016) Traditional patient misconceptions about the causes and care of the common cold. Ankara Medical Journal 16 3 263–269.
IEEE F. G. Cihan, M. E. Yayla, and E. Yavuz, “Traditional patient misconceptions about the causes and care of the common cold”, Ankara Med J, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 263–269, 2016, doi: 10.17098/amj.88183.
ISNAD Cihan, Fatma Gökşin et al. “Traditional Patient Misconceptions about the Causes and Care of the Common Cold”. Ankara Medical Journal 16/3 (September 2016), 263-269. https://doi.org/10.17098/amj.88183.
JAMA Cihan FG, Yayla ME, Yavuz E. Traditional patient misconceptions about the causes and care of the common cold. Ankara Med J. 2016;16:263–269.
MLA Cihan, Fatma Gökşin et al. “Traditional Patient Misconceptions about the Causes and Care of the Common Cold”. Ankara Medical Journal, vol. 16, no. 3, 2016, pp. 263-9, doi:10.17098/amj.88183.
Vancouver Cihan FG, Yayla ME, Yavuz E. Traditional patient misconceptions about the causes and care of the common cold. Ankara Med J. 2016;16(3):263-9.