Use of CAM among cancer patients

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

Research

Tobias Carlsson¹  Georg Holgersson²  Michael Bergqvist³  Jonas Nilsson⁴  Mikael Källman⁵  Stefan Bergström⁵  Kathrin Wode⁶  Jacob Järås⁷  Johanna Hök Nordberg⁸ 

[1] Department of Oncology, Gävle Hospital, Gävle, Sweden;Department of Oncology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden;Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden;Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden;Centre for Research and Development, Uppsala University/Region Gävleborg, Gävle, Sweden;Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden;Centre for Research and Development, Uppsala University/Region Gävleborg, Gävle, Sweden;Department of Oncology, Gävle Hospital, Gävle, Sweden;Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden;Regional Cancer Centre Stockholm–Gotland, Stockholm, Sweden;Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden;JRS Statistics AB, Stockholm, Sweden;Regional Cancer Centre Stockholm–Gotland, Stockholm, Sweden;Department of NVS, Karolinska Institution, Stockholm, Sweden;Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institution, Stockholm, Sweden;

关键词: CAM;    Cancer;    Complementary and alternative medicine;    Europe;    Oncology;    Sweden;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12906-023-03876-2

 received in 2022-11-26, accepted in 2023-02-07,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients is widespread. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the extent and details of patient CAM use in Sweden, especially in rural Sweden. The aim of this study was to estimate the extent and characteristics of CAM use among cancer patients in Region Gävleborg.MethodsA total of 631 questionnaires were distributed to which 376 responses were registered, yielding a response rate of 59.6%. Questionnaires were distributed to oncology patients at their first visit for curative treatment at the Department of Oncology, Gävle Hospital. Palliative patients were recruited at their first visit and during enrollment in palliative outpatient care in their own homes. The characteristics of the respondents were presented with standard descriptive statistics. A multivariable logistic model was fitted to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and identify potential predictors (Age, Gender, Education, Diagnosis) of CAM use post-cancer diagnosis.Results54% of all participants reported lifetime CAM use, 34% reported CAM use post-diagnosis. The most common CAM methods used after diagnosis are vitamins, health food preparations, herbal teas, prayer and dietary methods. The most common source of information reported is family and friends. Almost 70% of those who used CAM after their diagnosis stated that they did not discuss their use with healthcare professionals. Most patients reported that they would like some CAM modalities to be offered within conventional care regardless of their own CAM use.ConclusionsThe use of CAM is common among patients with cancer in the region of Gävleborg, and previous studies show a similar use in Sweden in general. Based on the widespread use of CAM and patient interest in discussing CAM use with healthcare professionals, greater attention and focus should be placed on creating a basis for this dialogue. If we, as healthcare professionals, are to emphasise our commitment to providing patient-centred care, we must acknowledge that patients use CAM and are seeking a dialogue about CAM use in their care.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2023

【 图 表 】

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