scholarly journals Alternative Medicine-Seeking Behavior among Cancer Patients at The Indonesian Cancer Foundation

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 284
Author(s):  
Annisa Nur Illahi ◽  
Lucia Yovita Hendrati
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Time Span ◽  
Hospital Treatment ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exact Test

Background: A large proportion of cancer deaths are caused by patient delay in accessing hospital treatment. One of the causes of such delays is the use of alternative medicine. Purpose: This research is conducted to determine the characteristics and factors related to the behavior of seeking treatment in the form of alternative medicine among cancer patients at the Indonesian Cancer Foundation (Yayasan Kanker Indonesia). Methods: This research is a quantitative descriptive research with a cross-sectional study design. The target of the research is all patients who temporarily stayed at the Yayasan Kanker Indonesia from February–April 2020, a total of 45 patients aged ≥ 17 years who had been diagnosed with cancer. The data was obtained via questionnaires and interviews. The variables examined are the predisposition factors (sex, age, education, occupation, stage of cancer, time ranges for accessing health services after symptom onset, prior illness, family history), enabling factors (distance to health services, income, health insurance), and reinforcing factors (family support and information resources). Analysis of research data was conducted using frequency tables and Chi-Square or Fisher's Exact test. Results: The factors related to the behavior of seeking treatment via alternative medicine in cancer patients at Yayasan Kanker Indonesia are the stage of cancer (p=0.04), the time span between symptom onset and checking into health services (p=0.02), and length of illness (p=0.03). Conclusion: Alternative treatment search behavior is influenced by several factors, namely the stage of cancer, the time span between symptom onset and checking into health services, and the length of illness.

scholarly journals The trends of complementary alternative medicine use among cancer patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Rahman Jazieh ◽  
Khadega A. Abuelgasim ◽  
Husam I. Ardah ◽  
Mohammad Alkaiyat ◽  
Omar B. Da’ar
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Complementary Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cultural Changes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common among cancer patients and it may reflect the individual and societal beliefs on cancer therapy. Our study aimed to evaluate the trends of CAM use among patients with cancer between 2006 and 2018. Methods We included 2 Cohorts of patients with cancer who were recruited for Cohort 1 between 2006 and 2008 and for Cohort 2 between 2016 and 2018. The study is a cross-sectional study obtaining demographic and clinical information and inquiring about the types of CAM used, the reasons to use them and the perceived benefits. We compared the changes in the patterns of CAM use and other variables between the two cohorts. Results A total of 1416 patients were included in the study, with 464 patients in Cohort 1 and 952 patients in Cohort 2. Patients in Cohort 2 used less CAM (78.9%) than Cohort 1 (96.8%). Cohort 1 was more likely to use CAM to treat cancer compared to Cohort 2 (84.4% vs. 73%, respectively, p < 0.0001,); while Cohort 2 used CAM for symptom management such as pain control and improving appetite among others. Disclosure of CAM use did not change significantly over time and remains low (31.6% in Cohort 1 and 35.7% for Cohort 2). However, physicians were more likely to express an opposing opinion against CAM use in Cohort 2 compared to Cohort 1 (48.7% vs. 19.1%, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion There is a significant change in CAM use among cancer patients over the decade, which reflects major societal and cultural changes in this population. Further studies and interventions are needed to improve the disclosure to physicians and to improve other aspects of care to these patients.

scholarly journals Experience of Cancer Patients for the Usage of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (E) ◽  
pp. 521-527
Author(s):  
Zafar Rasheed ◽  
Mohammed Al-Rashidy ◽  
Anas Al-Raqibah ◽  
Abdulrahman Al-Moqbel ◽  
Abdulmajeed Al-Bakri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Herbal Therapies ◽  
Black Seeds ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients have always been reported to have multiple complications and the treatment has always seemed challenging. The complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy has widely accepted by the patients with various disorders. AIM: This study evaluated the experience of cancer patients for the usage of CAM therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study designed to determine the experience of cancer patients for the usage of CAM therapy. RESULTS: Out of 232 cancer patients, 94% were urban residents and were non-smokers. Importantly, 66.4% of cancer patients experienced that the combination of CAM with conventional chemotherapy was effective for their treatment. Among all CAM therapies, 31.5% cancer patients experienced that herbal medicines/herbs were good. Among herbal therapies, green tea and black seeds were most effective for cancer patients. In contrast, 12.5% patients experienced that homeopathic medicines were good for their treatment. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study from Saudi Arabia to show the experience of cancer patients toward the usage of CAM therapy. Most of the cancer patients experienced that CAM therapies with the convention chemotherapy were effective for their treatment. Among all studied CAM therapies, green tea and black seeds were suggested by most of the cancer patients for their treatment.

scholarly journals Healthcare services utilization among international students in Ankara, Turkey: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abednego Nzyuko Masai ◽  
Bahar Güçiz-Doğan ◽  
Polet Njeri Ouma ◽  
Israel Nyaburi Nyadera ◽  
Victor Kipkoech Ruto
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Services Utilization

Abstract Background While international students form an increasing population of higher education students in Turkey, there is limited empirical evidence about their health services utilization. The study aim was to investigate healthcare access among a group of international students studying in Ankara city and identify potential barriers that affect full healthcare utilization. Method A total of 535 international students from 83 countries completed an online-based questionnaire. The survey was conducted from September until October 2020. Variables between groups within the study sample were compared using ANOVA and Chi-square tests (with Fisher’s exact test). Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between variables related to access to health services. Results Of the study population, 80.6% accessed the general practitioner (GP), 40% accessed the student health centres, and 11.4% were admitted to the hospital at least once. About 80% of international students reported changing their views to access healthcare more because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Lack of awareness of healthcare support systems, perceived stigma associated with mental health services, and language barriers were the main barriers affecting healthcare access by international students. Implications Study findings indicate the need for education of international students on available healthcare, targeted health promotion, and training of health providers on effective communication.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of Swiss ambulatory care services use by multimorbid patients in primary care in the light of the Andersen model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mia Messi ◽  
Yolanda Mueller ◽  
Dagmar M. Haller ◽  
Andreas Zeller ◽  
Stefan Neuner-Jehle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthcare Use ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Andersen Model ◽  
Multimorbid Patients ◽  
Services Use

Abstract Background: Multimorbidity is frequently encountered in primary care and is associated with increasing use of healthcare services. The Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use is a multilevel framework classifying societal, contextual, and individual characteristics about the use of healthcare services into three categories: 1. predisposing factors, 2. enabling factors, and 3. need factors. The present study aimed to explore multimorbid patients' use of ambulatory healthcare in terms of homecare and other allied health services, visits to GPs, and number of specialists involved. A secondary aim was to apply Andersen's model to explore factors associated with this use. Method: In a cross-sectional study, 100 Swiss GPs enrolled up to 10 multimorbid patients each. After descriptive analyses, we tested the associations of each determinant and outcome variable of healthcare use, according to the Andersen model: predisposing factors (patient's demographics), enabling factors (health literacy (HLS-EU-Q6), deprivation (DipCare)), and need factors (patient's quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), treatment burden (TBQ), severity index (CIRS), number of chronic conditions, and of medications). Logistic regressions (dichotomous variables) and negative binomial regressions (count variables) were calculated to identify predictors of multimorbid patients' healthcare use.Results: Analyses included 843 multimorbid patients; mean age 73.0 (SD 12.0), 28–98 years old; 48.3% men; 15.1% (127/843) used homecare. Social deprivation (OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.62–0.89) and absence of an informal caregiver (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.28–0.88) were related to less homecare services use. The use of other allied health services (34.9% (294/843)) was associated with experiencing pain (OR 2.49, 95%CI 1.59–3.90). The number of contacts with a GP (median 11 (IQR 7-16)) was, among other factors, related to the absence of an informal caregiver (IRR 0.90, 95%CI 0.83–0.98). The number of specialists involved (mean 1.9 (SD 1.4)) was linked to the treatment burden (IRR 1.06, 95%CI 1.02–1.10).Conclusion: Multimorbid patients in primary care reported high use of ambulatory healthcare services variably associated with the Andersen model's factors: healthcare use was associated with objective medical needs but also with contextual or individual predisposing or enabling factors. These findings emphasize the importance of adapting care coordination to individual patient profiles.

scholarly journals The Changes of Cancer Patients’ Perception, Attitude and Clinical Practice in Complementary and Alternative Medicine during COVID-19: A multicenter before-after cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yichao Wang ◽  
Geliang Yang ◽  
Zhan Gu ◽  
Chengyan Wang ◽  
Huiqing Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Medical Service ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Service Pattern

Abstract Background With the rapid spread of COVID-19 worldwide, the clinical practice in cancer treatment of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) becomes significantly different. This study was designed to explore the changes of China’s cancer patients’ perception, attitude and clinical practice in CAM after the pandemic of COVID-19. Methods A multicenter before-after cross-sectional study was conducted, including 448 cancer patients by a survey. Results For perception, half of the cancer patients (51.2%) reported they had received adequate information in CAM cancer treatment and had a great expectation in medical appointment pattern (40.2%). For attitudes, most of the cancer patients (79.4%) had full of confidence in CAM cancer treatment and showed a strong desire to learn more about CAM (70.2%). Nearly half of the cancer patients (44.0%) presented their oncology clinics had been greatly affected by COVID-19, however, most (82.8%) refused to the online medical service pattern. For clinical practice, Chinese herbal medicine was widely used before (89.5%) / after (90.3%) the epidemic of COVID-19 and the main purpose of receiving CAM therapy was to improve immune system (71.8%). The frequency of patients’ visiting the clinic decreased significantly (P < 0.001), and most (90.0%) didn’t change their follow-up pattern. The majority of the cancer patients (83.3%) were identified as CAM users and the only predictive factor was national health insurance in the multivariable logistic regression model. Conclusion China’s cancer patients show more interest and confidence in treating cancer by CAM, and the new medical pattern such as medical appointment, has been gradually accepted during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the cancer patients’ perception in CAM and online medical service pattern still need to be improved.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of Swiss ambulatory care services use by multimorbid patients in primary care in the light of the Andersen model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mia Messi ◽  
Yolanda Mueller ◽  
Dagmar M. Haller ◽  
Andreas Zeller ◽  
Stefan Neuner-Jehle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthcare Use ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Andersen Model ◽  
Multimorbid Patients ◽  
Services Use

Abstract Background: Multimorbidity is frequently encountered in primary care and is associated with increasing use of healthcare services. The Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use is a multilevel framework classifying societal, contextual, and individual characteristics about the use of healthcare services into three categories: 1. predisposing factors, 2. enabling factors, and 3. need factors. The present study aimed to explore multimorbid patients' use of ambulatory healthcare in terms of homecare and other allied health services, visits to GPs, and number of specialists involved. A secondary aim was to apply Andersen's model to explore factors associated with this use. Method: In a cross-sectional study, 100 Swiss GPs enrolled up to 10 multimorbid patients each. After descriptive analyses, we tested the associations of each determinant and outcome variable of healthcare use, according to the Andersen model: predisposing factors (patient's demographics), enabling factors (health literacy (HLS-EU-Q6), deprivation (DipCare)), and need factors (patient's quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), treatment burden (TBQ), severity index (CIRS), number of chronic conditions, and of medications). Logistic regressions (dichotomous variables) and negative binomial regressions (count variables) were calculated to identify predictors of multimorbid patients' healthcare use.Results: Analyses included 843 multimorbid patients; mean age 73.0 (SD 12.0), 28–98 years old; 48.3% men; 15.1% (127/843) used homecare. Social deprivation (OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.62–0.89) and absence of an informal caregiver (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.28–0.88) were related to less homecare services use. The use of other allied health services (34.9% (294/843)) was associated with experiencing pain (OR 2.49, 95%CI 1.59–3.90). The number of contacts with a GP (median 11 (IQR 7-16)) was, among other factors, related to the absence of an informal caregiver (IRR 0.90, 95%CI 0.83–0.98). The number of specialists involved (mean 1.9 (SD 1.4)) was linked to the treatment burden (IRR 1.06, 95%CI 1.02–1.10).Conclusion: Multimorbid patients in primary care reported high use of ambulatory healthcare services variably associated with the Andersen model's factors: healthcare use was associated with objective medical needs but also with contextual or individual predisposing or enabling factors. These findings emphasize the importance of adapting care coordination to individual patient profiles.

scholarly journals The Changes of Cancer Patients' Perception, Attitude and Clinical Practice in Complementary and Alternative Medicine during COVID-19: A Multicenter Before-After Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yichao Wang ◽  
Geliang Yang ◽  
Zhan Gu ◽  
Chengyan Wang ◽  
Huiqing Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Medical Service ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Service Pattern

Abstract Background: With the rapid spread of COVID-19 worldwide, the clinical practice in cancer treatment of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) becomes significantly different. This study was designed to explore the changes of China’s cancer patients’ perception, attitude and clinical practice in CAM after the pandemic of COVID-19. Methods: A multicenter before-after cross-sectional study was conducted, including 448 cancer patients by a survey. Results: For perception, half of the cancer patients (51.2%) reported they had received adequate information in CAM cancer treatment and had a great expectation in medical appointment pattern (40.2%). For attitudes, most of the cancer patients (79.4%) had full of confidence in CAM cancer treatment and showed a strong desire to learn more about CAM (70.2%). Nearly half of the cancer patients (44.0%) presented their oncology clinics had been greatly affected by COVID-19, however, most (82.8%) refused to the online medical service pattern. For clinical practice, Chinese herbal medicine was widely used before (89.5%) / after (90.3%) the epidemic of COVID-19 and the main purpose of receiving CAM therapy was to improve immune system (71.8%). The frequency of patients’ visiting the clinic decreased significantly (P < 0.001), and most (90.0%) didn’t change their follow-up pattern. The majority of the cancer patients (83.3%) were identified as CAM users and the only predictive factor was national health insurance in the multivariable logistic regression model. Conclusion: China’s cancer patients show more interest and confidence in treating cancer by CAM, and the new medical pattern such as medical appointment, has been gradually accepted during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the cancer patients’ perception in CAM and online medical service pattern still need to be improved.

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