The prevalence and determinants of the use of complementary and alternative medicine in adult Turkish cancer patients.
A study was undertaken to analyze the extent of using complementary alternative medicine (CAM) and to compare sociodemographic and medical characteristics of users and non-users of CAM in Turkish oncology patients. A total of 615 patients with cancer who attended ambulatory patient care units answered the questionnaires. Medical information was reviewed from chart data. Some 291 patients (47.3%) had used at least one type of CAM since the time of initial diagnosis. CAMs almost always consisted of herbal agents (95%). Nettle (Urticae herba) used in conjunction with (88%) or without (56%) various herbal agents were the most popular and prominent CAMs used by patients. Univariate and multivariate comparisons of users and non-users of CAM were performed. In multivariate analysis, female sex (p=0.0006), high income (p=0.0008), advanced stage at diagnosis (p=0.02), and usage of multiple chemotherapy applications (p=0.03) were determined as independent factors for CAM use.
Tas
Faruk
F
Institute of Oncology, University of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey. faruktas2002@yahoo.com
Ustuner
Zeki
Z
Can
Gulbeyaz
G
Eralp
Yesim
Y
Camlica
Hakan
H
Basaran
Mert
M
Karagol
Hakan
H
Sakar
Burak
B
Disci
Rian
R
Topuz
Erkan
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey
D028321:Plant Preparations