Complementary and alternative medicine practitioner consultations among those who have or have had cancer in a Norwegian total population (Nord-Trøndelag Health Study): prevalence, socio-demographics and health perceptions

Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2010 May;19(3):346-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2008.01049.x. Epub 2009 Aug 17.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners among current and previous cancer patients in a total population. A secondary analysis of data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (otherwise known as the HUNT 2 Study) - a total population survey conducted in central Norway - was undertaken. Analysis focused upon the response of 1406 individuals who reported to have or have had cancer and who answered a question on visits to CAM practitioners. The study identified 16.1% of respondents had visited a CAM practitioner in the prior 12 months compared with 12.8% in the total population, and the likelihood of consulting a CAM practitioner was significantly increased among those who had a university degree, who reported a lower perceived global health and who had experienced a health complaint during the last 12 months. Complementary and alternative medicine practitioner consultations among individuals with a previous or current malignant disease were highest for those with poor self-reported health status and with a recent health complaint. From the socio-demographic variables studied only the reporting of a university degree was significantly associated with higher CAM practitioner use.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude to Health
  • Complementary Therapies / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / psychology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Norway
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult