The impact of acculturation on the use of traditional Chinese medicine in newly diagnosed Chinese cancer patients

Support Care Cancer. 2007 Aug;15(8):985-92. doi: 10.1007/s00520-007-0285-0. Epub 2007 Jul 17.

Abstract

Goals of work: This study assessed the impact of acculturation on the prevalence of traditional Chinese medicine and other complementary and alternative medicine (TCM/CAM) use in newly diagnosed Chinese cancer patients. The individual determinants of TCM/CAM use among patients were also investigated.

Materials and methods: A consecutive sample of Chinese cancer patients treated at the British Columbia Cancer Agency was surveyed at admission using a 15-item questionnaire. Items included TCM/CAM use, sociodemographics, as well as medical and cultural factors. Data were analyzed using bivariate methods including Pearson's X (2) test and Student's t test. As well, multiple logistic regression was used to obtain the final causal model.

Main results: Of the 230 respondents, 57% completed the survey in Chinese and 94% were immigrants. The average age was 59. Participants had a mean disease duration of approximately 2 months and 79% had already received at least one conventional treatment. Overall, TCM/CAM was used by 47% of respondents. Herbal remedies, vitamins/minerals, and prayer were the most commonly used therapies. Multivariable analysis showed that prior TCM/CAM use (p < 0.001), having received conventional treatment(s) (p = 0.029), and being less acculturated (p = 0.028) were associated with TCM/CAM use.

Conclusions: Prevalence and type of use were found to vary as a function of the degree of acculturation. Health care practitioners would be well advised to discuss TCM/CAM use with their patients, especially those who are less acculturated to Western society, since they are the most likely users of TCM/CAM.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation*
  • Aged
  • British Columbia
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Emigration and Immigration
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires