Regional perspectives on Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Results of a regional survey.

Abstract

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used by patients with cancer. There is research that indicates that the use of CAM is more prevalent in rural areas compared to urban areas. Regarding the scope and specifics of patient's use of CAM in Sweden, particularly in rural areas, there is a dearth of information. The aim of this study was to estimate the extent and characteristics of CAM use among cancer patients in the rural areas of Region Gävleborg.

Methods: A total of 631 questionnaires were sent out, and 376 of those were returned, translating to a 59.6% response rate. Oncology patients received questionnaires on their initial appointment for curative care at Gävle Hospital's Oncology Department. When enrolling in palliative outpatient care in their homes, as well as on their initial visit, palliative patients were sought out. Standard descriptive statistics were used to present the characteristics of the respondents. To determine odds ratios (ORs) and potential factors (age, gender, diagnosis, and education) of CAM use after cancer diagnosis, a multivariable logistic model was constructed.

Results: Based on clinical observations, the authors' hypothesis-that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is particularly common in smaller towns in the Hälsingland region-was verified in this study. Moreover, the majority of those that stand out are younger and reside in Hälsingland's small towns. It seems that this applies to both men and women.

Conclusions: CAM seems to be utilised more frequently by patients residing in rural areas. It is crucial that carers enquire about all of the patient's health-seeking activities. It is necessary to conduct further research on the usage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in rural areas and the potential cultural influences on this use. From a sociological standpoint, it's critical to draw attention to the fact that CAM use can be more prevalent in some rural areas, particularly in centralised societies where access to healthcare is more difficult.