Original Research Paper

Perspectives Of Alternative Therapists Regarding Use Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine In Cancer

Abstract :

Background: In recent years, use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased with growing incidence of chronic and incurable diseases. Better understanding of opinions of alternative therapists is very important research area. Objective: Present study was conducted with the objective to explore awareness, perceptions and beliefs of health care providers regarding alternative therapies.Methodology: Qualitative survey was conducted among selected Alternative therapists /Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners of different fields from different states of the country. Their opinions, perceptions and beliefs regarding CAM in cancer cure were explored by conducting personal interviews using semi-structured interview schedules. Study variables included knowledge, perceptions, and perceived reliefs, cost-effectiveness of alternative therapies, perceived benefits, positive and negative motivations concerning CAM, misunderstandings/ misconceptions regarding CAM, reasons behind popularity of CAM use. Results: Total 244 CAM providers including 209 (85.7%) practitioners having some professional degrees whereas remaining 35(14.3%) were not having any professional degree. There were 121(49.6%) were practitioners of Ayurveda and 54(22.1%) of Homeopathy. The most common argument in favor of usefulness in CAM therapies was observed that CAM improves/built the immune of the patient (25.0%) followed by that CAM therapies subside the side effects without any side effect (14.3%). The most common argument in favor of CAM was having no side effects (77.5%) followed by close to nature (66.0%). More efficacy (48.8%) and easy availability (44.3%) were also among positive notions in favor of CAM. High toxicity of conventional therapies was reported as the most common shortcoming favoring use of alternative therapies among cancer patients. There were 216(88.5%) respondents who were in favour of scientific evaluation of CAM therapies. Conclusions and Suggestions: The study provided perceived supportive evidence in favour of CAM for treating cancer patients based on opinions of alternative therapists. Importance of healing of cancer patients is felt through addressing spiritual needs based of cancer patients. There is a need of continuous scientific evaluation of beneficial effects of CAM therapies. Study also suggests need of formal training of CAM practitioners for improving spiritual health of cancer patients.

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