USING COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPY AMONG CANCER PATIENT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Assist. Prof. Eman M. Goweily*

ABSTRACT

Background: Access to and advice on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAT) are uncommon within Egyptian conventional cancer care and little is known about cancer patients’ own use of CAT. The aim of this study was to explore using complementary and alternative therapy among Egyptian Cancer Patient and their experiences and preferences. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed consecutively to 1297 cancer patients at Tanta Oncology hospital’s out-patient & inpatient and social media. The response rate was 58% (n = 755). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the survey data. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between CAT use and gender, age and level of education. Open-ended responses were analyzed, using qualitative content analysis. Results: Lifetime CAT use was reported by 34% (n = 256), and 26% (n = 198) used CAT after cancer diagnosis. Being female, younger and having higher education predicted CAT use. Most commonly used methods were natural products including vitamins and minerals and relaxation. Main reasons for CAT use were improvement of physical, general and emotional wellbeing and increasing the body’s ability to fight cancer. Satisfaction with CAT usage was generally high. Reported adverse effects were few and mild; 54% of users spent < 50 Egyptian pound a month on CAT. One third had discussed their CAT use with cancer care providers. More than half of all participants thought that cancer care providers should be able to discuss (58%) and to consider (54%) use of CAT modalities in cancer care. Conclusions: Despite limited access and advice within conventional cancer care, one fourth of Egyptian cancer patients use CAT. The insufficient patient-provider dialogue diverges with most patients’ wish for professional guidance in their decisions and integration of CAT modalities in conventional cancer care. Concurrent and multimodal CAT use implies challenges and possibilities for cancer care that need to be considered.

Keywords: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAT), logistic regression model.