Behav Med
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A high level of anticipatory distress in women scheduled for surgery to detect or treat breast cancer emphasizes the importance of investigation of potential targets for distress-reducing interventions. Exercise and sleep have been examined in relation to distress in this population, focusing on the postsurgery period. In this study the authors examined the contributions of physical activity and sleep to anticipatory distress levels in 124 women prior to breast surgery. ⋯ Additionally, the authors hypothesized that the effects of physical activity on distress would be accounted for by (mediated) sleep quality. Results indicated that physical activity and sleep quality were negatively related to distress (p < .05); however, activity effects were not mediated by sleep. These findings have implications for designing interventions to reduce anticipatory breast surgery distress.
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This article offers a review of the research literature on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and presents the findings from an exploratory survey of the beliefs, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors of conventionally trained physicians toward CAM. Earlier studies of CAM focused primarily on patients' attitudes and behaviors rather than those of physicians. Physicians play a crucial role in moderating patients' beliefs about and use of CAM treatments. ⋯ The findings from a survey mailed to a random sample of California physicians revealed that physicians' use or recommendations of CAM in their practices are limited by concerns about medical professional norms, yet are positively associated with their use of computer technology for self-education and communication with peers. Sixty-one percent of physicians do not feel sufficiently knowledgeable about CAM safety or efficacy, and 81% would like to receive more education on CAM modalities. The findings raise important issues for medical education and patient care.