Trends and patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer patients in Jordan: a decade comparison.

Abstract

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses healthcare practices beyond conventional medical care. Despite advancements in oncology treatment, CAM use remains prevalent among patients with cancer. In Jordan, while CAM usage is common, particularly involving herbalists and spiritual healers, data on its patterns among patients with cancer are limited. This study compared CAM use among cancer patients in Jordan between 2013 and 2022, aiming to identify changing trends, associated factors, and implications for clinical practice and patient education.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to adult cancer patients in Jordan in 2013 and 2022. In 2013, participants were recruited from four facilities, including the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), whereas in 2022, recruitment was exclusively at KHCC. Patients completed a validated semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, CAM usage patterns, communication with healthcare providers, and perceptions of CAM.

Results: The prevalence of CAM use has decreased from 49.4% (n = 400) in 2013 to 32.8% (n = 124) in 2022. Natural health products such as herbs, vitamins, and special foods remained the most commonly used CAM therapies in both surveys. Despite the overall decrease in CAM usage, the frequency among users increased, with daily use reported by 65.9% in 2022 compared to 55.3% in 2013. The perceived benefits of CAM have significantly declined from 86.6% in 2013 to 31.9% in 2022. Communication about CAM use with healthcare providers remains low, although it slightly improves from 35.2% in 2013 to 46.3% in 2022. In 2013, younger age at diagnosis and treatment completion were independently associated with higher CAM use. In contrast, 2022 data identified lack of health insurance as the sole independent predictor of CAM use (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.820, 95% CI: 1.007-3.289).

Conclusion: Over the past decade, CAM use among Jordanian patients with cancer has significantly decreased, although current users engage more intensively. The decline in perceived benefits and the persistent communication gap with healthcare providers underscores the necessity for educational programs targeting both patients and clinicians. Such interventions could enhance dialogue regarding CAM, ensure safer integration with conventional treatments, and potentially improve patient outcomes by preventing harmful interactions.