Self-reported quality of life in complementary and alternative medicine treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis among African Americans: a preliminary, open-label pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The southern U.S. region has among the highest incidence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Historically, African Americans in this region have been a difficult to reach population for clinical research participation. This study's aim was to observe any association between herbal tea consumption and CRS symptoms among African Americans. We recount the volunteers self-reporting of measurements associated with self-treatment of CRS symptoms. DESIGN: The study design was a preliminary, open-label, pilot study. SETTINGS: Volunteers were drawn from Morehouse School of Medicine's outpatient clinics, community multipurpose senior centers, and churches in Fulton and DeKalb Counties, GA. SUBJECTS: One hundred (100) African American volunteers were prescreened, of whom 55 with a clinical diagnosis of CRS met entrance criteria. INTERVENTION: Volunteers self-administered Breathe Easy herbal tea for a duration of 6 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: The Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS) scale was administered to assess sinus health at baseline and term and overall quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) index. RESULTS: Of the 55 volunteers who met entrance criteria, 41 completed the study; groups were q.i.d. (n = 27), t.i.d. (n = 4), b.i.d. (n = 5), and noncompliant (n = 5). For the q.i.d. group (n = 27), there was a significant increase in the CSS symptom score (difference in means 22.0 points; p = 0.020) and CSS total score (11.1 points; p = 0.020). Overall health status (SF-36) reported at baseline was 35% very good; 34% good; and 17% fair. After 6-weeks, the q.i.d. group showed a significant change to 44% good and 45% very good (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary pilot study suggests that q.i.d. self-administration of Breathe Easy was associated with improved volunteers' sinus health status (e.g., ability to fall sleep). Our results suggest that this herbal tea may contribute as a complementary therapy for management of CRS among African Americans. To further assess efficacy and applicability to other populations, randomized controlled trials in larger populations are warranted.

Exercise preferences and barriers in urban African Americans with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine physical activity preferences and barriers to exercise in an urban diabetes clinic population. METHODS: A survey was conducted of all patients attending the clinic for the first time. Evaluation measures were type and frequency of favorite leisure-time physical activity, prevalence and types of reported barriers to exercise, and analysis of patient characteristics associated with reporting an obstacle to exercise. RESULTS: For 605 patients (44% male, 89% African American, mean age = 50 years, mean duration of diabetes = 5.6 years), the average frequency of leisure activity was 3.5 days per week (mean time = 45 minutes per session). Walking outdoors was preferred, but 52% reported an exercise barrier (predominantly pain). Patients who cited an impediment to physical activity exercised fewer days per week and less time each session compared with persons without a barrier. Increasing age, body mass index, college education, and being a smoker increased the odds of reporting a barrier; being male decreased the chances. Men reported more leisure-time physical activity than women. Exercise preferences and types of barriers changed with age. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of patient exercise preferences and barriers should help in developing exercise strategies for improving glycemic control.