A comparison of complementary and alternative medicine use by gynecology and gynecologic oncology patients
cancer patients; complementary and alternative medicines; gynecological oncology; gynecology; Obstetrics & Gynecology; Oncology; prevalence; therapies; united-states
Our objective was to describe and compare the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in gynecology and gynecological oncology patients. Five hundred and twenty-nine gynecology and gynecological oncology patients completed a questionnaire regarding: CAM use. Overall, 56.3% of gynecology and gynecological oncology patients reported current use of CAM. Therapies used included nutritional supplements (20%), prayer as medical therapy (17%), exercise as medical therapy (12%), megavitamins (10%), and green tea (10%). While 69.5% believed CAM to be beneficial, only 31.6% discussed these therapies with their physician. The women spent a mean of $656.22 on CAM (range $0-$7,000), with 31.7% receiving some insurance reimbursement. Gynecologic oncology patients (n=161) used CAM significantly more than gynecology patients (n=368) (66% vs. 52%, 95% CI=0.046-0.230, P=0.004). Gynecological oncology patients also spent more for CAM, with a mean expenditure of $711 versus $622 by gynecology patients. Within the gynecological oncology patient group, there were 69 patients currently receiving modern medical treatments for cancer; among these patients, 58% reported using CAM; of these, 39.3% communicated their use of CAM to their physician. Patients in this group spent an average of $1,178 on CAM during their illness, with only 6.3% receiving insurance reimbursement. Benefits from CAM were perceived by 54.5% in this group. We concluded that cancer patients have a higher usage rate and expenditure for CAM, particularly while they are receiving medical therapy, and are more likely to discuss the use of alternative therapies with their physicians. CAM was perceived as helpful by patients despite the lack of scientific data about its effect.
Von Gruenigen V E; White L J; Kirven M S; Showalter A L; Hopkins M P; Jenison E L
International Journal of Gynecological Cancer
2001
2001-05
Journal Article
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1438.2001.01011.x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1046/j.1525-1438.2001.01011.x</a>
Adjustment to perceived ovarian cancer risk.
ADAPTABILITY (Psychology); ADJUSTMENT (Psychology); CANCER risk factors; GYNECOLOGY; OVARIAN cancer; WOMEN'S health services
Eighty-three women who perceived themselves to be at risk for ovarian cancer completed a battery of surveys. In addition to demographics, subjects were asked to complete the Brief Symptom Inventory, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, Death Anxiety Scale, Taylor Anxiety Scale, Index of Sexual Satisfaction, Impact of Event Scale, and the Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Overall, the respondents were more similar to normal controls than to psychiatric outpatients. A correlation was drawn between higher levels of education and lower scores on the Brief Symptom Inventory, which measures characteristics such as somatization, obsessive compulsive behaviors, interpersonal sensitivity, and anxiety. However, those who had the highest scores on the Death Anxiety Scale were less likely to comply with the recommendation for a physical/gynecological examination. Patients who were most influenced by an external locus of control or ‘powerful other’ were more compliant with their physicians' recommendations for testing and examination. It is the authors' belief that individualized educational efforts and the presence of a solid support system may increase women's adherence to the recommended health care practices. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Francoa Kathleen; Belinso Jerome; Casey Graham; Plummer Sarah; Tamburrino Marijo; Tung Ericka
Psycho-Oncology
2000
2000-10-09
Article information provided for research and reference use only. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1002/1099-1611(200009/10)9:5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1002/1099-1611(200009/10)9:5<411::aid-pon476>3.0.co;2-t</a>