Does perceived control predict Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use among patients with lung cancer? A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Purpose Scant literature exists on the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among patients with lung cancer. Preliminary data indicates that perceived control is an important factor leading patients to CAM. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between perceived control and CAM use in patients with lung cancer. Methods We performed a cross sectional survey in patients with lung cancer under active treatment and follow-up at the oncology clinic of an academic medical center. Self-reported CAM use was the primary outcome. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between perceived control and CAM use, controlling for other factors. Results Among 296 participants. 54.4% were female, 83.5% Caucasian, 57.6% ≤65 years old, 52.4% stage IV and 86.4% had Non-small cell lung cancer. 50.9% of patients had used CAM, most commonly vitamins (31.5%), herbs (19.3%), relaxation techniques (16%) and special diets (15.7%). In multivariate analysis, CAM use was associated with having greater perceived control over the cause of cancer (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 2.27, 95% CI 1.35–3.80), age ≤65 (AOR 1.64, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.01–2.67), higher education (AOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.29–3.64), and never having smoked tobacco (AOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.25–4.54). Nearly 60% of patients who used CAM were receiving active treatment. Conclusion Over half of lung cancer patients have used CAM since diagnosis. Greater perceived control over the cause of cancer was associated with CAM use. Given the high prevalence of CAM, it is essential that oncologists caring for patients with lung cancer discuss its use.

Do attitudes and beliefs regarding complementary and alternative medicine impact its use among patients with cancer? A cross‐sectional survey

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Facing death alone or together? Investigating the interdependence of death anxiety, dysfunctional attitudes, and quality of life in patient‐caregiver dyads confronting lung cancer

“…Another possibility could be with the advancement of medical technologies and complementary treatments, quality of life of lung cancer patients has been much improved. Hence, keeping a rigid sense of self‐control may fuel patients' and caregivers' optimism toward trying innovative treatments which may in turn elevate their quality of life …”

How to Become an Agent of One's Own Healing Processes: Self-Management for Chronically Ill Patients in Integrative Health Care

“…Some studies stated that users of complementary and alternative medicine have a higher internal locus of control, but others could not confirm these results [15,16]. This discrepancy may lead to the interpretation that patients seeking complementary or integrative medical approaches are not always ready and willing to take over an active role, and some may nevertheless feel treated quite well with rather paternalistic concepts.…”