Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2005; 10: 18
To determine predictors of use of CAM therapies among cancer patients in the community.
A secondary analysis of two National Institutes of Health federally funded studies was conducted. Sample: lung, breast, colon and prostate cancer patients (n = 968). Participants were asked about use of herbs/supplements, spiritual healing, relaxation, massage, acupuncture, energy healing, hypnosis, therapeutic spas, lifestyle diets, audio/videotapes, and osteopathic, homoeopathic or chiropractic treatment. Most (97%) received conventional cancer treatment: surgery (65%), chemotherapy (38.5%) and radiation therapy (54%). The theoretical framework for this study was Anderson’s Behavioral Model for Health Services Use. The dependent dichotomous variable for this analysis was the use or non-use of any of the identified CAM therapies. The independent variables analysed were:
Binary Logistic Regression was the primary statistical model used with the focus on the between-subject differences in CAM use. A stepwise procedure followed in which potential predictor variables were excluded from the model if the P value exceeded 0.10.
The statistically significant predictors of CAM use were gender, marital status, income and cancer treatment.
Cancer patients are using CAM while undergoing conventional cancer treatment. Healthcare providers need to (i) assess CAM use, (ii) advocate for protocols and guidelines for routine assessment, (iii) increase knowledge of CAM and (iv) examine the coordination of services among diverse systems of health care to maximise positive patient outcomes.
This research was supported by the following grants: #RO1 NRCA01915, Family Home Care for Cancer – A Community-Based Model, funded by the National Institute for Nursing Research and the National Cancer Institute, Barbara A. Given, PhD, RN, FAAN, Principal Investigator, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. #RO1 CA56338, Rural Partnership Linkage for Cancer Care, funded by the National Cancer Institute, Barbara A. Given, PhD, RN, FAAN, Principal Investigator, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
