title: Perception and attitude of Jordanian physicians towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in oncology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine general perception and attitudes to CAM among Jordanian physicians at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), and challenges facing formal integration of CAM into conventional practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey of KHCC physicians using a semi-structured questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Response rate was 71%(71/100). 84%(41/49) defined CAM as "not evidence-based" treatments and/or "Herbs". More than 80% reported interest to learn about CAM. 70% believed that herbal remedies were harmful, though only 17%(12/71) reported some knowledge about their composition. Physicians' concern of harmful interactions was the most significant reason for asking their patients about use (p < 0.0001). >90%(32/35) of physicians who estimated a low rate (<10%) of CAM usage by patients had minimal knowledge of herbal remedies (p = 0.06).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  KHCC physicians have very little knowledge but high interest to learn about CAM use in oncology. An educational component will be crucial for the implementation of a formal CAM program at KHCC.
authors.affiliation: Office of Scientific Affairs and Research, King Hussein Cancer Center, P.O. Box 1269 Al-Jubeiha, Amman 11941, Jordan. asomari@khcc.jo
authors.forename: Amal
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Omari
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Qudimat
authors.forename: Amid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abu Hmaidan
authors.forename: Luna
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zaru
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007597:Jordan; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires