Practices, Attitudes, and Beliefs Associated With Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use Among Cancer Patients

Abstract

The high prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among cancer patients (40%-83%) receiving conventional treatment and the complex relationship between the psychosocial factors that may contribute to or result from CAM use requires further understanding. The authors conducted a descriptive mixed-methods pilot study to understand CAM practices, attitudes, and beliefs among cancer patients at the Loma Linda University Medical Center. This was the qualitative phase of the study, and no hypotheses were set. A total of 23 face-to-face interviews were conducted, and thematic coding was used to analyze 22 interview transcriptions. There were 14 CAM users (64%) and 8 nonusers (36%). The themes present among those who used CAM were the following: physicians viewed as one aspect of health care options, a holistic view on well-being, satisfaction with CAM use, and 3 key coping methods (confrontive, supportive, and optimistic) to confront cancer. Themes were not independent of each other. Two themes were present among nonusers; nonusers trusted their physician and were more likely to express evasive coping methods. Perceptions and behavioral patterns are complex predictors of CAM use. A better understanding of CAM, medical pluralism, and the perceptions of patients would help health care providers deliver a better quality of care. The promotion of integrative care may help health care providers better identify medical pluralism and would shift focus to patient-centered care.