The prevalence and determinants of the use of complementary and alternative medicine in adult Turkish cancer patients.

Abstract

A study was undertaken to analyze the extent of using complementary alternative medicine ( CAM) and to compare sociodemographic and medical characteristics of users and non- users of CAM in Turkish oncology patients. A total of 615 patients with cancer who attended ambulatory patient care units answered the questionnaires. Medical information was reviewed from chart data. Some 291 patients ( 47.3%) had used at least one type of CAM since the time of initial diagnosis. CAMs almost always consisted of herbal agents ( 95%). Nettle ( Urticae herba) used in conjunction with ( 88%) or without ( 56%) various herbal agents were the most popular and prominent CAMs used by patients. Univariate and multivariate comparisons of users and non- users of CAM were performed. In multivariate analysis, female sex ( p = 0.0006), high income ( p = 0.0008), advanced stage at diagnosis ( p = 0.02), and usage of multiple chemotherapy applications ( p = 0.03) were determined as independent factors for CAM use.