J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2013 May;20(2):147-156.

Investigation into the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Factors Affecting Use in Korean Patients with Brain Tumors

• Shin YS
• Lee JA
• Bae SH
• Lee SY
• Jang MK

Abstract

PURPOSE
The study was done to define complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among primary brain tumor patients and factors influencing use.
METHODS
The study was conducted with convenience sampling in 5 neuro-oncology centers in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. Data were collected using a 25-item questionnaire developed by the researchers.
RESULTS
Of 250 patients approached, 231 (92.4%) agreed to participate. Overall, 26.8% of the respondents used CAM and the average cost for CAM use was 300,000 KRW. More than 72% of CAM users did not disclose CAM use to their health care professionals. The most frequently used therapy was natural products including mushrooms. Logistic regression analysis revealed that an education level of university or higher (OR=2.92, 95% CI=1.56-5.44, p=.001), unemployment (OR=1.99, 95% CI=1.04-3.80, p=.037), and WHO grade III & IV tumors (OR=2.18, 95% CI=1.07-4.72, p=.048) were significant factors influencing CAM use.
CONCLUSION
Three out of ten brain tumor patients spend substantial sum of money for CAM. In these situations, health care professionals should be aware of this phenomenon and provide adequate information and consultation to the patients.

Keyword

Brain neoplasms; Complementary therapies

MeSH Terms

Agaricales
Biological Agents
Brain
Brain Neoplasms
Complementary Therapies
Surveys and Questionnaires
Delivery of Health Care
Humans
Logistic Models
Unemployment
Biological Agents