Factors contributing to the use of complementary therapies among patients attending selected cancer outpatient clinics in Trinidad

Dr Oscar Noel Ocho; Ms Latrisha White; Mrs Kathy Ann Lootawan

Volume : V, Issue : XI, November - 2016

Factors contributing to the use of complementary therapies among patients attending selected cancer outpatient clinics in Trinidad

Dr Oscar Noel Ocho, Ms Latrisha White, Mrs Kathy Ann Lootawan

Abstract :

Aims/ Objectives: ?e main aim of the study was to explore the use of complementary therapies among patients who are diagnosed with cancer in Trinidad. Methods: A quantitative, exploratory, descriptive research design was used. Twenty participants each were selected from two Cancer Treatment centres in Trinidad (Brian Lara Cancer Centre and Sangre Grande Oncology Clinic). Data were collected through a 23 item questionnaireover a period of two weeks. A convenience sample of twenty participants over the age of eighteen years were selected from each site. Analysis of the data was done using Statistical Program for Social Science (SPSS) version 22. Results: ?e study showed that 24 (60%) of the respondents used complementary therapies. Among users, the most common complimentary therapy was food/vitamin supplements (16 or 67%) followed by dietary adjustments (13 or 54%, .995, p0.01) while there was little use of the more traditional therapies like yoga and meditation among. ?e major reasons for their use were to assist with cancer therapy and to boost the immune system (11 or 46%) respectively as well as improve emotional well–being (.585, p0.01). While 17 (71%) respondents believed that the use of complementary therapy was effective 7 (29%) were uncertain of its effects. However, discussions between health care providers and patients about their use of complimentary therapies were dependent on staff attitude to the practice or an opportunity to gain professional information. Conclusions: While the use of complementary therapies were common among respondents they were more traditional with little use of complementary therapies like meditation or yoga. However, there was some level of ambivalence in their perception of its effectiveness. ?is study provides a framework for further exploration of complementary therapies within the context of the Caribbean