Does anxiety influence the use of complementary or alternative medicine among cancer patients?

TL;DR

This study explores how anxiety affects cancer patients' use of complementary and alternative medicine.

Contribution

The study identifies trait anxiety and sociodemographic factors as significant predictors of CAM use in cancer patients.

Findings

Female gender is associated with CAM use among cancer patients.

Higher education levels correlate with increased CAM use.

Increased trait anxiety is linked to CAM usage in cancer patients.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which patients' anxiety due to their cancerous disease has an influence on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods.

230 patients completed an anonymous voluntary questionnaire that was sent to outpatient oncological facilities participating in the survey. This questionnaire included standardised tests such as the Allgemeine Selbstwirksamkeit Kurzskala (ASKU, self-efficacy short scale) and the State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory (STAI) as well as socio-demographic information and a section on CAM use. Statistical analyses and regression models were used to identify correlations.

Female gender, high level of education (high school diploma or university degree) and increased trait anxiety were related to CAM use. All other variables analysed showed no significant results.

This study demonstrates that trait anxiety and sociodemographic factors significantly influence CAM usage among cancer patients. Physicians and health care providers should consider this in consultations to guarantee the best possible care for patients.

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