Table 3.
The use of CAMs and the reasons for using each type of CAMs in terminally ill cancer patients.
| Variable |
Frequency of the
users (%) |
95% confidence interval of percentage (%) | Reasons for using the CAM methods [n (%)*] | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reducing physical complications of the cancer and its treatment | Reducing stress and anxiety resulting from cancer and its treatment | Others | |||
| Medicinal herbs | 76 (35.8) | 57.5–70.3 | 10 (13.2) | 52 (68.4) | 14 (18.4) |
| Dry cupping | 5 (2.4) | 0.5–4.7 | – | 4 (80) | 1 (21) |
| Wet cupping | 7 (3.2) | 0.9–5.5 | – | 5 (83.3) | 1 (16.7) |
| Massage | 21 (9.5) | 5.9–13.6 | 1 (4.8) | 18 (85.7) | 2 (9.5) |
| Dietary supplements | 8 (3.6) | 1.4–6.4 | – | 4 (57.1) | 3 (42.9) |
| Acupressure | 1 (0.5) | 0–1.4 | – | 1 (100) | – |
| Relaxation and meditation | 6 (2.7) | 0.9–5.0 | 2 (33.3) | 3 (50.0) | 1 (16.7) |
| Prayer | 185 (83.7) | 78.7–88.7 | 41 (23.7) | 87 (50.3) | 45 (26.0) |
*
Valid percent, CAM, complementary and alternative medicines; Others, strengthening the immune system, decreasing fatigue.