Cancer patients' use of complementary and alternative medicine in Sweden: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Access to and advice on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) are uncommon within Swedish conventional cancer care and little is known about cancer patients' own use of CAM. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore Swedish cancer patients´ patterns of CAM use, their experiences and preferences. METHODS:Questionnaires were distributed consecutively to 1297 cancer patients at a university hospital's out-patient oncology units. 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 CAM use and gender, age and level of education. Open-ended responses were analyzed, using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS:Lifetime CAM use was reported by 34% (n =?256), and 26% (n =?198) used CAM after cancer diagnosis. Being female, younger and having higher education predicted CAM use. Most commonly used methods were natural products including vitamins and minerals and relaxation. Main reasons for CAM use were improvement of physical, general and emotional wellbeing and increasing the body's ability to fight cancer. Satisfaction with CAM usage was generally high. Reported adverse effects were few and mild; 54% of users spent

SUBMITTER: Wode K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6417272 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature