Complementary and Alternative Therapy Use Among Cancer Patients in Qassim: Patterns, Predictors, and Patient...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Complementary Medicine

Background:

• Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is widespread among cancer patients globally.
• Limited regional data exists on CAM prevalence and patterns in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Qassim region.
• Understanding CAM use is crucial for comprehensive cancer care and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence, patterns, motivations, and predictors of CAM use among cancer patients in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
• To identify common CAM modalities utilized by cancer patients in the region.
• To explore patient disclosure of CAM use to healthcare providers.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 258 adult cancer patients at Prince Faisal Cancer Center, Qassim.
• The International CAM Questionnaire, culturally adapted, was used for data collection.
• Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, identified predictors of CAM use.

Main Results:

• Over half of cancer patients (56.2%) reported using CAM, primarily faith-based (e.g., Qur'an recitation, Zamzam water) and biologically based (e.g., olive oil, honey) modalities.
• The primary motivation for CAM use was the belief in a cure (91.0%).
• Disclosure of CAM use to physicians was low (23.4%), with a small percentage (7.6%) delaying conventional therapy.

Conclusions:

• CAM use is highly prevalent in the Qassim region, with a strong preference for spiritual and traditional practices.
• A significant communication gap exists due to low disclosure rates, potentially impacting patient care and safety.
• Proactive, culturally sensitive physician-patient communication is essential to bridge this gap and integrate safe CAM practices.