The impact of acculturation on the use of traditional Chinese medicine in newly diagnosed Chinese cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the impact of acculturation on the prevalence of traditional Chinese medicine and other complementary and alternative medicine (TCM/CAM) use in newly diagnosed Chinese cancer patients. The individual determinants of TCM/CAM use among patients were also investigated.


METHODS
A consecutive sample of Chinese cancer patients treated at the British Columbia Cancer Agency was surveyed at admission using a 15-item questionnaire. Items included TCM/CAM use, sociodemographics, as well as medical and cultural factors. Data were analyzed using bivariate methods including Pearson's X (2) test and Student's t test. As well, multiple logistic regression was used to obtain the final causal model.


RESULTS
Of the 230 respondents, 57% completed the survey in Chinese and 94% were immigrants. The average age was 59. Participants had a mean disease duration of approximately 2 months and 79% had already received at least one conventional treatment. Overall, TCM/CAM was used by 47% of respondents. Herbal remedies, vitamins/minerals, and prayer were the most commonly used therapies. Multivariable analysis showed that prior TCM/CAM use (p < 0.001), having received conventional treatment(s) (p = 0.029), and being less acculturated (p = 0.028) were associated with TCM/CAM use.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence and type of use were found to vary as a function of the degree of acculturation. Health care practitioners would be well advised to discuss TCM/CAM use with their patients, especially those who are less acculturated to Western society, since they are the most likely users of TCM/CAM.
Ferro
Mark Anthony
MA
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Western Ontario, Kresge Building, Room K201, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada. mark.ferro@schulich.uwo.ca
Leis
Anne
A
Doll
Richard
R
Chiu
Lyren
L
Chung
Michael
M
Barroetavena
Maria-Cristina
MC
D000069:Acculturation; D000368:Aged; D001955:British Columbia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires