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[Complementary medicine use in oncology patients].
S Inglin1, S Amsler, F Arigoni
1Université de Genève, Faculté des sciences économiques et sociales, Département de sociologie, Genève.
Revue Medicale Suisse
|July 12, 2008
Summary
Around 26.5% of cancer patients at Geneva University Hospitals use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Patients use CAM for relief and to supplement care, with younger, educated individuals more likely to do so.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among cancer patients.
- Understanding CAM utilization patterns is crucial for integrated patient care.
- Previous research highlights varied motivations and barriers to CAM adoption in oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of CAM use in cancer patients at Geneva University Hospitals.
- To identify demographic factors associated with CAM use in this population.
- To explore patient-reported reasons for using or not using CAM.
Main Methods:
- An anonymized questionnaire was administered to cancer patients.
- Data were collected from 152 respondents out of 300 solicited patients.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify trends and associations.
Main Results:
- 26.5% of surveyed patients reported using CAM.
- CAM use was more common among younger and moderately to highly educated patients.
- Primary motivations included seeking physical/psychic relief and maximizing care resources.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of cancer patients utilize CAM, often in conjunction with conventional treatments.
- Patient education and open communication with healthcare providers are essential for managing CAM use.
- Further research is needed to address the lack of a universal CAM definition and hospital-specific contexts.
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