Utilization of Alternative Complementary Remedies of Stroke Patients

Mok, Soon Ak; Cho, Myoung Ok

Abstract

PURPOSE
This descriptive survey was conducted to investigate out the utilization of alternative complementary remedies for stroke patients. METHOD: The subject for this study were 194 patients, selected from inpatients department of 11 major medical center at Busan and Ulsan. Data were collected from August 19th to November 12th, 2002 through interview schedule designed by the investigator. Data was analyzed with frequency, percentage, and Chi-squared -test by using SPSS Win 10.0. RESULTS: 71.6% of objects has used alternative complementary remedies. The use of alternative complementary remedies according to disease-related features was statistically significant in concurrent diseases(Chi-squared=15.03, p=0.001), rehabilitation treatment(Chi-squared=6.341, p=0.012) and the level of ADL(Chi-squared=19.63, p=0.000). The most frequently used therapies were diet and nutrition(31.8%). The patients with less than 3month onset and in the mid-period of treatment frequently used remedies. The reason for using remedies were the belief in it's effects on treatment, but most patients responded was not effective(30.9%) or not much improvement after using remedies. Most of the patients were recommended to use remedies by their neighbors(27.3%) and family members(25.2%). The family members were most supportive in therapy(56.1%). The 28.1% of patients responded that the remedies were effective in promoting blood circulation and 95% of the patients had not experienced side effects. CONCLUSION: These results could be the basic material in developing nursing intervention for cerebral apoplexy patients.