Complementary and alternative medicine used by pediatric patients with cancer in western Turkey.

Genc R. E., Senol S., Turgay A. S., KANTAR M.

Oncology nursing forum, vol.36, no.3, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 36 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1188/09.onf.e159-e164
  • Journal Name: Oncology nursing forum
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: No

Abstract

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine the extent of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use, the types of therapies employed, and the reasons for choosing those therapies. DESIGN: Descriptive type, cross-sectional. SETTING: Pediatric oncology department in western Turkey. SAMPLE: 112 children receiving or completing treatment for cancer. METHODS: Parents of 112 children completed a questionnaire regarding CAM use. Analyses included examining correlations between CAM use and demographic variables. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: CAM use and demographic variables. FINDINGS: 77% of the patients used one or more type of CAM, with herb use being the most common. CONCLUSIONS: About 75% of parents used CAM for their children. However, about 25% sought discussion with the physician about the CAM they were using. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses should approach their patients without prejudice, gather information about the various CAM techniques, and share this knowledge with their patients.