Trinkaus, Mateya, Burman, Debika, Barmala, Niusha, Rodin, Gary, Jones, Jennifer, Lo, Christopher, and Zimmermann, Camillia (2011) Spirituality and use of complementary therapies for cure in advanced cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 20. pp. 746-754.

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Abstract

Objective: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used by patients with advanced cancer, for a variety of reasons. We examined the use of CAM in this population, and associations of use for potential cure with spiritual faith and existential well-being.

Methods: Patients with advanced cancer on a palliative care unit completed a measure of spiritual well-being (existential well-being and faith), and a survey assessing complementary therapy use and reasons for such use. Information was also gathered on demographic data, previous cancer treatment, performance status, and symptom distress. Regression analyses assessed the association between the spirituality domains of existential well-being and faith, and the use of CAM for cure.

Results: Of 123 participants, 85% had used CAM, 42% with curative intent. More than 95% would consider future use of CAM, 48% for potential cure. Previous use for cure predicted current interest in using CAM for cure (p<0.0001). Spiritual faith was associated with previous (p<0.02) and interest in future use for cure (p<0.0001). Poor existential well-being was associated with interest in future use of CAM for cure (p=0.04).

Conclusions: Interest in considering CAM for cure was relatively high in this group of inpatients on a palliative care unit, and was associated with increased spiritual faith and decreased existential well-being. Understanding factors associated with seeking CAM for cure may help health-care professionals to support and educate patients with advanced cancer.

Item ID:	86504
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1099-1611
Copyright Information:	Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Date Deposited:	05 Aug 2025 00:21
FoR Codes:	42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4203 Health services and systems > 420316 Palliative care @ 50% 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5203 Clinical and health psychology > 520399 Clinical and health psychology not elsewhere classified @ 50%
SEO Codes:	28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280121 Expanding knowledge in psychology @ 50% 20 HEALTH > 2004 Public health (excl. specific population health) > 200401 Behaviour and health @ 50%
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