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Research: BENNETT and LENGACHER,
Listed in Issue 65
Abstract
BENNETT and LENGACHER, School of Nursing, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, USA, nubenne@befac.indstate.edu carried out a descriptive cross-sectional survey to document how people living in rural areas use or intend to use complementary therapies and to determine demographic factors related to the use of these therapies.
Background
Methodology
The survey was carried out at three cancer treatment clinics and on one support group located in the rural Midwest of the USA and sampled 53 people, predominantly Caucasian, with cancer, aged 42-91 years. Nurses distributed the previously tested investigator-developed Complementary Therapy Rating Scale (CTRS). Clients who wished to participate completed the survey and mailed it to the primary researcher. The main variables assessed were: use of complementary therapies; client ratings of effectiveness; and demographic variables.
Results
87% of the clients reported that they were using at least one complementary therapy . Prayer, humour and support group attendance were the most popular. Women, younger clients, support group members and clients who lived closer to town scored significantly higher on the CTRS.
Conclusion
More rural people in the USA with cancer reported using complementary therapies than could have been predicted from the literature. However, most literature focuses on alternative cancer treatment rather than the use of complementary therapies [which] were easily available, inexpensive and have no known side effects. More research is needed on the effectiveness of complementary therapies . Implications for nursing practice: Workshops or research projects involving complementary therapies should include those therapies people with cancer frequently use. Younger clients and women may be most interested in participating. Projects should be scheduled to avoid frequent trips into town.
References
Bennett M, Lengacher C. Use of complementary therapies in a rural cancer population. Oncology Nursing Forum 26 (8): 1287-94. Sep 1999.
