Integrative Family Medicine - Are Louisiana Patients Ready?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this preliminary study was to assess patient readiness to use a family medicine clinic that integrates complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with conventional medicine. METHODS: A survey using the theory of planned behavior as a framework addressed patient attitudes and use of CAM. Descriptive statistics provided demographic characteristics. Additional analyses assessed differences among CAM users and responses to survey items. RESULTS: Patients who self-reported as using CAM in the past 12 months were 39.8%. The majority of patients had favorable attitudes toward CAM use and integrative medicine; 62.7% reported they are likely to use CAM if offered at the clinic. Most patients want their physician to inquire about their use of CAM (61.5%) and to be trained to treat with CAM (64%). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data from this study highlights patients' interest in a family medicine integrative center and may be used by providers to develop tailored messages for patients.

Breastfeeding-supportive hospital practices and breastfeeding maintenance: results from the Louisiana pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system.

OBJECTIVE: Identify practices associated with breastfeeding maintenance, examine breastfeeding-related hospital practices by hospital designation level (Baby Friendly vs. Gift vs. none), and assess racial disparities in hospital practices and breastfeeding maintenance. STUDY DESIGN: The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System is a population-based survey of mothers who have recently given birth. Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) participants who gave birth from 2016-2019 and initiated breastfeeding were included (n = 2200). Associations between twelve breastfeeding-related hospital and breastfeeding at 2-6 months postpartum were assessed. Baby Friendly hospital designation is based on a set of criteria related to hospital practices that promote breastfeeding. The Gift is a Louisiana program that offers a lower level designation and quality improvement support designed to help hospitals transition to and achieve Baby Friendly designation. RESULT: Breastfeeding in the hospital, infant only receiving breast milk, and breastfeeding within one hour after birth were positively associated and receiving a gift pack with formula was negatively associated with breastfeeding maintenance in both NHW and NHB women. Associations were stronger in NHW compared to NHB mothers. CONCLUSION: We identified several practices significantly associated with breastfeeding maintenance. However, racial disparities indicate a need for population-specific supportive practices.