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Wu H, Aziz AR, Dehghan M, Ahmadi Lari L, Al-Amer R, Zakeri MA. Use of complementary and alternative medicine for reducing fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors: Does it work? Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2023; 10:100278. [PMID: 37731732 PMCID: PMC10507577 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors is a psychosocial concern that affects recovery and quality of life. They use complementary and alternative medicine to prevent the side effects of drugs and relieve anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the use of complementary and alternative medicine and the fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive correlational study enrolled 280 cancer survivors referred to oncology centers and medical offices in Kerman using convenience sampling. The research tools included complementary and alternative medicine questionnaire and the fear of cancer recurrence inventory. IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 was used to analyze the data. Results The study findings revealed that 78.2% of the participants used at least one type of complementary and alternative medicine in the last year; 71.8% used medicinal herbs, 19.6% used nutritional supplements, 7.5% used relaxation and meditation, 7.1% used dry cupping, and 5.7% used wet cupping. The mean score of fear of cancer recurrence was 80.72 ± 18.46, which was almost near the midpoint of the inventory score (84). The fear of cancer recurrence and its dimensions did not differ between users and nonusers of complementary and alternative medicine. Conclusions Our results suggested that most of the survivors used at least one type of complementary and alternative medicine in the past year, and medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements were the most used types. Patients with cancer must be aware of the effects of different kinds of complementary and alternative medicine. A moderate level in the mean score of fear of cancer recurrence was found, and no difference was noted between users and nonusers of complementary and alternative medicine. Health managers and planners should conduct effective psychological interventions and strategies to minimize the fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heliang Wu
- Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | | | - Mahlagha Dehghan
- Nursing Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Leyla Ahmadi Lari
- M.Sc of Critical Care Nursing, Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Rasmieh Al-Amer
- Isra University of Jordan, School of Nursing, Amman, Jordan
- Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
| | - Mohammad Ali Zakeri
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
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Nakandi K, Benebo FO, Hopstock LA, Stub T, Kristoffersen AE. Adherence to lifestyle recommendations among Norwegian cancer survivors and the impact of traditional and complementary medicine use: the Tromsø Study 2015-2016. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:292. [PMID: 37598174 PMCID: PMC10439550 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04123-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations has positive effects on cancer outcomes yet adherence is low among cancer survivors. Differences in adherence between women and men, phase of survivorship, and other factors that might increase adherence, like the use of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM), need to be explored. We aimed to study the adherence to national recommendations for a healthy diet (daily intake of ≥ 5 portions of fruit/vegetables), physical activity (150 min of moderate-intensity or 75 min of high-intensity/week), normal body mass index (BMI) (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), non-smoking, and low-risk alcohol consumption (women ≤ 10 g/day, men ≤ 20 g/day) among Norwegian cancer survivors and their associations with sex, the use of T&CM, and survivorship phase. METHODS We used logistic regression, independent sample t-test, and chi-square test to study self-reported (diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption) and measured (BMI) adherence in 1530 cancer survivors (40 years and above, participating in the population-based Tromsø Study conducted in 2015-2016 (65% attendance). We dichotomized all assessed lifestyle recommendations (adherence = 1 point, non-adherence = 0 points), and created a score for every recommendation (0-5 points). Adherence to individual lifestyle recommendations and the use of T&CM as well as the phase of survivorship was adjusted for sex, age, income, and living with a partner. RESULTS Adherence to recommendations was 7.5% for diet, 85.3% for physical activity, 30.5% for BMI, 89.3% for non-smoking, and 87.6% for alcohol consumption. In total 2.3% adhered to all five recommendations concurrently (mean score 2.96 [SD = 0.86]). Women adhered to more recommendations concurrently compared to men (3.03 [SD = 0.90] vs. 2.89 [SD = 0.80] points respectively, [p = .012]). In total, 31% reported the use of T&CM and there were no differences in adherence to individual lifestyle recommendations or concurrent adherence in overall T&CM use compared to non-use. Users of self-help techniques were more likely to adhere to the recommendations of diet (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.45-4.98) and physical activity (aOR 6.26, 95% CI 1.51-25.92). Users of traditional healers and users of more than one T&CM modality were less likely to adhere to the low-risk alcohol consumption recommendation, (aOR 0.32, 95% CI 0.13-0.77, and aOR 0.53, 95% CI 1.08-2.17, respectively) compared to T&CM non-users. Survivors with cancer previously (1162) had higher odds of adhering to the recommendation of diet (aOR 2.66, 95% CI 1.36-5.19) than survivors with cancer presently (n = 368), but not to other recommendations. CONCLUSION The health of cancer survivors can be improved through adherence to lifestyle recommendations, yet our study found partial adherence among survivors in Norway, in accordance with findings from other countries. Although overall T&CM use was not associated with higher adherence to lifestyle recommendations, differences in adherence were seen among individual modalities like the use of self-help techniques and traditional healers. Our results suggest the need for intensified follow-up of lifestyle with attention to male survivors and diet among all survivors throughout the cancer survivorship continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiwumulo Nakandi
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Faculty of Health Science, Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, N-9037, Norway.
| | - Faith O Benebo
- Systems Epidemiology, Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Laila A Hopstock
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Trine Stub
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Faculty of Health Science, Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, N-9037, Norway
| | - Agnete E Kristoffersen
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Faculty of Health Science, Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, N-9037, Norway
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Suresh Kumar A, Jalal K, Nurul Aman Shaikh A, Kannan S, Muttappallymyalil J. Utilization of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases Among Adults in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Cureus 2023; 15:e37394. [PMID: 37182011 PMCID: PMC10171885 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the general population is expanding their choices regarding healthcare, many are opting for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in addition to or instead of conventional modes of treatment, for the management of various health conditions. AIMS This study investigated the utilization of CAM for the management of various cardiovascular diseases as well as its risk factors among the adult population in Ajman, UAE. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted upon receiving approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB). This cross-sectional study was conducted by administering an interviewer-administered questionnaire, consisting of three domains aimed at assessing the sociodemographic features and use of CAM and factors associated with the use among the respondents. A total of 414 responses were collected from adults residing in Ajman, UAE, who consented to participate in the study. A chi-square test was performed on Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0, Armonk, NY) to assess the association between the use of CAM and factors. Statistical significance was set to p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Out of 414 participants in the study, 57% of the participants used CAM before, while 43% of the participants never used CAM. Among the CAM users, 23% used it for anxiety and stress, 7.6% utilized it for the management of hypertension, 3.3% used it for high cholesterol, 3.1% for obesity, 1.9% for chronic kidney disease, 0.9% used it for diabetes mellitus, 0.5% used it for stroke, and 0.5% used it for heart failure. CONCLUSIONS From the results of the study, it can be concluded that the majority (57%) of the participants have used CAM before. Most of the participants utilized CAM to manage chronic conditions (81.9%).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khadija Jalal
- College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, ARE
| | | | - Swetha Kannan
- College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, ARE
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Cases MG, Blair CK, Hendricks PS, Smith K, Snyder S, Demark-Wahnefried W. Sustainability capacity of a vegetable gardening intervention for cancer survivors. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1238. [PMID: 35733142 PMCID: PMC9215023 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13644-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health behavior interventions, especially those that promote improved diet and physical activity, are increasingly directed toward cancer survivors given their burgeoning numbers and high risk for comorbidity and functional decline. However, for health behavior interventions to achieve maximal public health impact, sustainability at both the individual and organizational levels is crucial. The current study aimed to assess the individual and organizational sustainability of the Harvest for Health mentored vegetable gardening intervention among cancer survivors. METHODS Telephone surveys were conducted among 100 cancer survivors (mean age 63 years; primarily breast cancer) completing one-of-two Harvest for Health feasibility trials. Surveys ascertained whether participants continued gardening, and if so, whether they had expanded their gardens. Additionally, surveys were emailed to 23 stakeholders (Cooperative Extension county agents, cancer support group leaders, and healthcare representatives) who were asked to rate the intervention's ability to generate sustained service and produce benefits over time using the eight-domain Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT). RESULTS The survey among cancer survivors (91.9% response rate) indicated that 85.7% continued gardening throughout the 12 months following intervention completion; 47.3% expanded their gardens beyond the space of the original intervention. Moreover, 5.5% of cancer survivors enrolled in the certification program to become Extension Master Gardeners. The survey among stakeholders generated a similar response rate (i.e., 91.3%) and favorable scores. Of the possible maximum of 7 points on the PSAT, the gardening intervention's "Overall Capacity for Sustainability" scored 5.7 (81.4% of the maximum score), with subscales for "Funding Stability" scoring the lowest though still favorably (5.0) and "Program Evaluation" scoring the highest (6.3). CONCLUSIONS Data support the sustainability capacity of the Harvest for Health vegetable gardening intervention for cancer survivors. Indeed, few interventions have proven as durable in terms of individual sustainability. Furthermore, Harvest for Health's overall organizational score of 5.7 on the PSAT is considered strong when compared to a previous review of over 250 programs, where the mean overall organizational PSAT score was 4.84. Thus, solutions for long-term funding are currently being explored to support this strong, holistic program that is directed toward this vulnerable and growing population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02150148.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory G Cases
- University of California San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cindy K Blair
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, MSC07-4025, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - Peter S Hendricks
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kerry Smith
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Scott Snyder
- School of Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Wendy Demark-Wahnefried
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Professions, UAB, Birmingham, AL, USA
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome According to the Roma IV Criteria: A Single-Center Italian Survey. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55020046. [PMID: 30781771 PMCID: PMC6409648 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as assessed by the Rome IV criteria. Methods: Consecutive patients referring for IBS were re-evaluated according to the Rome IV criteria. Demographic features and characteristics potentially associated with the use of CAM were collected. A validated, self-administered, survey questionnaire dealing with CAM and patients’ level of knowledge, motivation, perception, and information seeking-behavior toward the use of CAM was analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify predictors of CAM use among participants. Results: Among 156 patients claiming IBS, 137 (88%) met the Rome IV criteria, and 62 of them (45%) were CAM users. Biologically based therapy was the most chosen CAM (78%). Significant risk factors (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval) for the use of CAM were female gender (7.22, 2.31–22.51), a higher BMI (1.16, 1.02–1.33), and a good knowledge of CAM (4.46, 1.73–11.45), while having children was a protective factor (0.25, 0.07–0.95). Only 19% of patients used CAM due to medical advice and over half (51%) thought it was a “more natural” approach. Although a minority of patients (16%) had full satisfaction from CAM, 81% of users would repeat the CAM experience for their IBS symptoms. Conclusions: The widespread use of CAM in IBS, the patients’ belief in its safety, and their willingness to re-use it suggest that knowledge of health-care providers and patient education should be improved.
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Kajawu L, Chiweshe M, Mapara J. Community Perceptions of Indigenous Healers and Mental Disorders in Zimbabwe. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.4236/ojpsych.2019.93015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Feinberg T, Jones DL, Lilly C, Umer A, Innes K. The Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Survey (CHAPS): Validity testing and characteristics of a rural population with pain. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196390. [PMID: 29718951 PMCID: PMC5931640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Little is known about patterns and correlates of Complementary Health Approaches (CHAs) in chronic pain populations, particularly in rural, underserved communities. This article details the development and implementation of a new survey instrument designed to address this gap, the Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Survey (CHAPS). Design Following pilot-testing using pre-specified criteria to assess quality and comprehension in our target population, and after feedback regarding face-validity from content experts and stakeholders, the final cross-sectional self-report survey required 10–12 minutes to complete. It contained 69 demographic, lifestyle and health-related factors, and utilized a Transtheoretical Model (TTM) underpinning to assess short- and long-term use of 12 CHAs for pain management. Twenty additional items on pain severity, feelings, clinical outcomes, and activities were assessed using the Short-Form Global Pain Scale (SF-GPS); Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Settings/location Investigators conducted consecutive sampling in four West Virginia pain management and rheumatology practices. Participants 301 Appalachian adult patients seeking conventional care for pain management. Results Response rates were high (88% ± 4.1%). High quality and comprehension deemed the CHAPS an appropriate measurement tool in a rural population with pain. Missing data were unrelated to patient characteristics. Participants predominantly experienced chronic pain (93%), had five or more health conditions (56%, Mean = 5.4±3.1), were white (92%), female (57%), and middle-aged (Mean = 55.6 (SD = 13.6) years). Over 40% were disabled (43%) and/or obese (44%, Mean BMI = 33.4±31.5). Additionally, 44% used opioids, 31% used other prescription medications, and 66% used at least one CHA for pain, with 48% using CHAs for greater than 6 months. There was high internal reliability of the SF-GPS (alpha = .93) and satisfactory internal reliability for each of the five TTM stages across (all) twelve CHAs: precontemplation (0.89), contemplation (0.72), preparation (0.75), action (0.70), and maintenance (0.70). Conclusions The CHAPS is the first comprehensive measurement tool to assess CHA use specifically for pain management. Ease of administration in a population with pain support further use in population- and clinic-based studies in similar populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Termeh Feinberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Dina L. Jones
- Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- Division of Physical Therapy, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Christa Lilly
- Department of Biostatistics, West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Amna Umer
- Department of Epidemiology, West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kim Innes
- Department of Epidemiology, West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
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Clarke TC. The Use of Complementary Health Approaches Among U.S. Adults with a Recent Cancer Diagnosis. J Altern Complement Med 2018; 24:139-145. [PMID: 28930475 PMCID: PMC5820530 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The object of this study was to explore the use of complementary health approaches among U.S. adults with a cancer diagnosis in the past 5 years and distinguish use for general wellness from use specifically for treatment. METHODS Using data from the 2002, 2007, and 2012 National Health Interview Survey, the study included 1359 persons with a cancer diagnosis of selected cancers in the past 5 years. Participants were asked about their use of complementary health approaches for general reasons and cancer treatment in the past 12 months. Responses were aggregated into the use of any complementary approach as well as examined by mode of practice. RESULTS Overall, 35.3% of persons with a cancer diagnosis used complementary health approaches in the past 12 months. These persons were more likely to have used a biologically based approach (22.8%) compared with other approaches. Persons with breast cancer were significantly more likely to use any complementary health approach (43.6%) compared with those with other recently diagnosed cancers. Few persons with a cancer history (2.3%) used complementary approaches specifically for cancer treatment. However, prevalence of use for treatment varied by cancer type (0.4%-6.8%). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights differences in the use of various types of complementary health approaches for different reasons among persons with recent diagnoses of some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tainya C Clarke
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics , Hyattsville, MD
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Kessel KA, Lettner S, Kessel C, Bier H, Biedermann T, Friess H, Herrschbach P, Gschwend JE, Meyer B, Peschel C, Schmid R, Schwaiger M, Wolff KD, Combs SE. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) as Part of the Oncological Treatment: Survey about Patients' Attitude towards CAM in a University-Based Oncology Center in Germany. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165801. [PMID: 27812163 PMCID: PMC5094772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To understand if and which patients would be open-minded to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use parallel to their oncological treatment. Moreover, we sought to determine which methods are most accepted and which are the primary motivators to use CAM. METHODS We developed and anonymously conducted a questionnaire for patients in the oncology center (TU Munich). Questions focus on different CAM methods, previous experiences, and willingness to apply or use CAM when offered in a university-based setting. RESULTS A total of 171 of 376 patients (37.4% women, 62.0% men, 0.6% unknown) participated. This corresponds to a return rate of 45%. Median age was 64 years (17-87 years). Of all participants, 15.2% used CAM during their oncological therapy; 32.7% have used it in the past. The majority (81.9%) was not using CAM during therapy; 55.5% have not used CAM in the past respectively. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between education and CAM use during therapy (r = 0.18; p = 0.02), and CAM use in the past (r = 0.17; p = 0.04). Of all patients using CAM during therapy, favored methods were food supplements (42.3%), vitamins/minerals (42.3%), massage (34.6%). Motivations are especially the reduction of side effect and stress, the positive effect of certain CAM-treatments on the immune system and tumor therapy. Results showed no difference between women and men. Most patients not having had any experience with CAM complain about the deficiency of information by their treating oncologist (31.4%) as well as missing treatment possibilities (54.3%). CONCLUSION Since many patients believe in study results demonstrating the efficacy of CAM, it stresses our task to develop innovative study protocols to investigate the outcomes of certain CAM on symptom reduction or other endpoints. Thus, prospective trials and innovative evidence-based treatment concepts to include CAM into high-end oncology is what patients demand and what a modern oncology center should offer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin A. Kessel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Innovative Radiotherapy (iRT), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, Neuherberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Sabrina Lettner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
| | - Carmen Kessel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
- Onkologisches Zentrum im RHCCC am Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
| | - Henning Bier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
| | - Tilo Biedermann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Biedersteiner Straße 29, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Herrschbach
- Roman-Herzog-Krebszentrum Comprehensive Cancer Center (RHCCC), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Trogerstraße 26, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen E. Gschwend
- Department of Urology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Meyer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Peschel
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Schmid
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus-Dietrich Wolff
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie E. Combs
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Innovative Radiotherapy (iRT), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, Neuherberg, Germany
- Onkologisches Zentrum im RHCCC am Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich, Germany
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Cases MG, Frugé AD, De Los Santos JF, Locher JL, Cantor AB, Smith KP, Glover TA, Cohen HJ, Daniel M, Morrow CD, Moellering DR, Demark-Wahnefried W. Detailed methods of two home-based vegetable gardening intervention trials to improve diet, physical activity, and quality of life in two different populations of cancer survivors. Contemp Clin Trials 2016; 50:201-12. [PMID: 27565830 PMCID: PMC5055381 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survivors suffer from long-term adverse effects that reduce health-related quality of life (QOL) and physical functioning, creating an urgent need to develop effective, durable, and disseminable interventions. Harvest for Health, a home-based vegetable gardening intervention, holds promise for these domains. METHODS This report describes the methods and recruitment experiences from two randomized controlled feasibility trials that employ a waitlist-controlled design. Delivered in partnership with Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, this intervention provides one-on-one mentorship of cancer survivors in planning and maintaining three seasonal vegetable gardens over 12months. The primary aim is to determine intervention feasibility and acceptability; secondary aims are to explore effects on objective and subjective measures of diet, physical activity and function, and QOL and examine participant factors associated with potential effects. One trial is conducted exclusively among 82 female breast cancer survivors residing in the Birmingham, AL metropolitan area (BBCS); another broadly throughout Alabama among 46 older cancer survivors aged >60 (ASCS). RESULTS Response rates were 32.6% (BBCS) and 52.3% (ASCS). Both trials exceeded 80% of their accrual target. Leading reasons for ineligibility were removal of >10 lymph nodes (lymphedema risk factor), lack of physician approval, and unwillingness to be randomized to the waitlist. CONCLUSION To date, recruitment and implementation of Harvest for Health appears feasible. DISCUSSION Although both studies encountered recruitment challenges, lessons learned can inform future larger-scale studies. Vegetable gardening interventions are of interest to cancer survivors and may provide opportunities to gain life skills leading to improvements in overall health and QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory G Cases
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Webb Building 346, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
| | - Andrew D Frugé
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Webb Building 346, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Jennifer F De Los Santos
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, The Kirklin Clinic at Acton Road, 2145 Bonner Way, Birmingham, AL 35243, United States
| | - Julie L Locher
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, CH19-Room 218F, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Alan B Cantor
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Ryals Public Health Building, Room 327, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Kerry P Smith
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, 101 Funchess Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849, United States
| | - Tony A Glover
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, 101 Funchess Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849, United States
| | - Harvey J Cohen
- Center for the Study of Aging, Duke University, Room 3502 Blue Zone, Duke University Medical Center Box 3003, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Michael Daniel
- Department of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Webb Building 346, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Casey D Morrow
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue South, THT 926, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Douglas R Moellering
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Webb Building 346, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States; UAB Diabetes Research Center, Bioanalytical Redox Biology Core, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Boulevard, VH G004, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Wendy Demark-Wahnefried
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Webb Building 346, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
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