Knowledge and Practices of Complementary and Alternate Medicine among Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: To assess the knowledge, practices of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer patients.

Study Design: A Cross sectional Hospital based study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi from May to November 2010.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted by using non- probability purposive sampling with structured questionnaire on 375 cancer patients of JPMC oncology OPD's. Informed consent was taken. Data was entered, analyzed on Statistical Package for the Social Science version 19.

Results: Out of 375 patients, commonest age group was 40-49 (48.5%) of the patients had used complementary, alternative medication for the cure of their cancers. The major reasons assessed for using alternative medicine was the high cost of conventional medication (82.4%).  43.4% had gone to Peer/ Faqeer/ Moulvi, 32.4% had taken medication from Hakim, 24.2 % homeopathic medication. 22.9% were illiterate as compared to 9.1% matric passed with average monthly income of Rs.5000-10,000. 48.5% of the patients claimed using complimentary, alternate medication at some stage during their illness. 80% of the patients using complementary, alternative medications had been diagnosed with Gastrointestinal Tract cancers as compared with other cancers. The patients that were previously using Complementary, alternative medicine (48.5%) preferred using allopathic medication (90.9%) in future.

Conclusion: Every patient has the right to choose, decide newer, advanced forms of medical Treatment, scientific methods, a relatively high number of patients had used Complementary, alternative medicine for the treatment of their ill ness. An awareness/ procedural program is of utmost important for cancer patients. Government must facilitate cancer patients as cancer is on the rise in Pakistan.