Evaluation of Health Perceptions and Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine in Patients Receiving Radiotherapy
Abstract
Abstract
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the attitudes of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy toward Traditional and Complementary Medicine their health perceptions, the methods they use, and the relationships between these factors. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted with 82 patients receiving treatment at the Radiation Oncology Clinic of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine Hospital. Data were collected using a demographic information form, the Attitudes Toward Traditional and Complementary Medicine Scale (TCMAS), and the Health Perception Scale (HPS). The data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software with descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation tests. Results: The mean age of participants was 56.7±10.8, with 54.9% being male, 45.1% female, and 76.8% married. Among the participants, 43.9% were in stage 2 and 31.7% in stage 3, with prostate cancer being the most common type (32.9%). A total of 52.4% of participants reported using TCM methods, with the most commonly used methods being religious practices (87.8%), manipulative approaches (massage and reflexology; 46.4%), phytotherapy (31.7%), meditation (12.2%), hypnosis (4.9%), guided imagery (2.4%), and energy approaches (Reiki, bioenergy, and healing energy; 1.2%). Of the participants, 26.8% obtained information from family, 14.7% from TV and social media, 12.2% from healthcare professionals, and 46.3% stated they had no knowledge about TCM. The mean TCMAS score was 97.21±30.74, and the mean HPS score was 43.48±9.01. Participants who perceived their economic status as poor had significantly higher TCMAS scores (p<0.05). While no direct strong correlation was found between TCMAS and HPS scores, strong positive correlations were observed between the "Cognitive Perspective on Complementary Medicine" subscale and moderate positive correlations with the "Dissatisfaction with Modern Medicine" and "Holistic Perspective on Health" subscales. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the sociodemographic characteristics, disease stages, and economic conditions of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy may influence their use of TCM methods and health perceptions. Among participants, the most frequently preferred methods were religious practices, manipulative approaches, and phytotherapy, primarily utilized based on information obtained from social media, family, and their environment.
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References
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