Factors Influencing the Use of Complementary Alternative Medicine among Moroccan Women with Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background: Scientific investigations have confirmed a growing use of CAM among cancer patients over the past decades. However, there exist few studies in the literature about the use of CAM among women with breast cancer in North Africa, especially in Morocco. The aim of the present research was to determine the of the prevalence along the factors influencing the use of CAM among women with breast cancer in Morocco. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 450 Moroccan women with breast cancer, who were being treated in two regional cancer centers located in the two cities of Marrakech and Agadir from October 2016 to November 2016. The survey instrument used to collect information included 33 questions regarding CAM used, the factors associated with use of CAM, the perception and the effectiveness of CAM use, the clinical characteristics, and the socio- demographic profile of the participants. Chi square tests were used to examine the relationship between the independents variables and dependent variable. The variables found to be significant were entered into binary logistic regression analysis to determine the significant factors influencing CAM use among the subjects. Results: Among the 450 respondents (response rate= 100%), the results revealed that about 62% of them reported using two or more CAM modalities for breast cancer related outcomes. Natural honey, Fenugreek, Turmeric were the leading CAM modalities used. All the CAM users confirmed the usage while receiving conventional treatment. Only 14.4% of users informed their doctors of their decision to use CAM. Additionally, the results indicated the existence of a strong significant correlation between demographic characteristics and the use of CAM. Conclusions: The use of CAM among Moroccan women with breast cancer is prevalent. CAM users believed and trusted CAM for its effectiveness. The diversity of CAM modalities, the overall health condition, the type of residency, the risk factors related to breast cancer and the self-reported severity all seemed to influence the use of CAM in Moroccan women with BC. Decision makers and care providers must fully understand the potential risks and benefits of CAM therapies to appropriately advise their patients. Healthcare provider should realize the patients’ choices for other therapies and be prepared to talk more about CAM. Attention must be dedicated to educate cancer patients on the importance of disclosing CAM use to their physicians. The findings support the urgent need for implementation for a public policy in term of CAM use in Morocco.