Comparing Perspectives on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Use in Oncology: Insights from Healthcare Professionals and Oncology Patients in Western Mexico
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Design and Population
2.2. Variables and Measurement
2.3. Questionnaire Development
2.4. Selection Criteria
2.5. Sample Size Calculation
2.6. Statistical Analysis
2.7. Limitations
3. Results
3.1. Use of Traditional and Alternative Medicine
3.2. Females Are More Associated with Traditional Medicine Use
3.3. Current and Frequent Use of Traditional and Alternative Medicine
3.4. Multivariate Logistic Regression to Detect Factors Associated with Current and Frequent Use of Alternative Medicine
3.5. Opinion on the Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine
3.6. What and How People Consume Traditional and Complementary Medicine
3.7. Women Use Traditional and Alternative Medicine More Frequently, Except in the Context of Cancer
4. Discussion
5. Conclusions
Supplementary Materials
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Characteristic | All | Oncology Patients | Healthcare Personnel (n = 152) | p | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Physicians | Nurses | Other Staff | ||||
(n = 382) | (n = 230) | (n = 46) | (n = 54) | (n = 52) | ||
Age (years) | 50.6 ± 14.1 | 56.0 ± 14.0 | 41.7 ± 8.0 | 40.4 ± 11.1 | 44.8 ± 9.1 | <0.001 |
BMI (kg/m2) | 28.7 ± 5.2 | 29.0 ± 5.5 | 27.2 ± 3.9 | 26.5 ± 5.3 | 28.7 ± 5.2 | <0.001 |
Female (%) | 74.1% (n = 283) | 75.7% (n = 174) | 52.2% (n = 24) | 96.3% (n = 52) | 63.5% (n = 33) | <0.001 |
Knows what traditional/alternative medicine is (%) | 50.5% (n = 193) | 39.6% (n = 91) | 69.6% (n = 32) | 66.7% (n = 36) | 65.4% (n = 34) | <0.001 |
Has used traditional medicine (%) | 87.7% (n = 335) | 85.7% (n = 197) | 87.0% (n = 40) | 94.4% (n = 51) | 90.4% (n = 47) | 0.257 |
Frequent current use (%) | 35.4% (n = 135) | 46.3% (n = 106) | 6.5% (n = 3) | 33.3% (n = 18) | 15.4% (n = 8) | <0.001 |
Severe/life-threatening illness (%) | 65.2% (n = 249) | 100.0% (n = 230) | 17.4% (n = 8) | 13.0% (n = 7) | 7.7% (n = 4) | <0.001 |
Takes allopathic medication (%) | 71.7% (n = 274) | 100.0% (n = 230) | 37.0% (n = 17) | 31.5% (n = 15) | 19.2% (n = 10) | <0.001 |
Homemaker (%) | 31.2% (n = 119) | 51.7% (n = 119) | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | <0.001 |
High school education or above (%) | 59.4% (n = 227) | 34.3% (n = 79) | 100.0% (n = 46) | 100.0% (n = 54) | 92.3% (n = 48) | <0.001 |
Lives with a partner (%) | 63.6% (n = 243) | 64.8% (n = 149) | 56.5% (n = 26) | 66.7% (n = 36) | 61.5% (n = 32) | 0.699 |
Low socioeconomic level (%) | 31.8% (n = 141) | 52.8% (n = 121) | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | <0.001 |
Catholic (%) | 84.8% (n = 324) | 86.5% (n = 199) | 82.6% (n = 38) | 83.3% (n = 45) | 80.8% (n = 42) | 0.703 |
Diabetes (%) | 12.8% (n = 49) | 18.7% (n = 43) | 6.5% (n = 3) | 0.0% | 5.8% (n = 3) | <0.001 |
Hypertension (%) | 21.5% (n = 82) | 29.3% (n = 67) | 15.2% (n = 7) | 7.4% (n = 4) | 7.7% (n = 4) | <0.001 |
Cancer Diagnosis | Oncology Patients | Conventional Care for Cancer | Oncology Patients |
---|---|---|---|
Breast | 46.1% (n = 106) | Palliative care | 11.7% (n = 27) |
Cervical | 11.3% (n = 26) | Chemotherapy | 33.5% (n = 77) |
Prostate | 11.3% (n = 26) | Radiotherapy | 11.7% (n = 27) |
Colorectal | 8.7% (n = 20) | Chemoradiotherapy | 7.0% (n = 16) |
Ovarian | 6.1% (n = 14) | Patient in follow-up | 27.8% (n = 64) |
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma | 2.6% (n = 6) | I haven’t received it yet | 6.5% (n = 15) |
Thyroid | 2.6% (n = 6) | I don’t know | 1.7% (n = 4) |
Lung | 2.2% (n = 5) | ||
Other cancers | 9.1% (n = 21) |
Characteristic | All | Healthcare Personnel | Oncology Patients | p |
---|---|---|---|---|
(n = 382) | (n = 152) | (n = 230) | ||
Herbal products (%) | 63.87% (n = 244) | 49.0% (n = 75) | 73.6% (n = 169) | <0.001 |
Non-conventional nutritional interventions (%) | 13.35% (n = 51) | 32.5% (n = 49) | 0.7% (n = 2) | <0.001 |
Homeopathy (%) | 15.96% (n = 61) | 18.5% (n = 28) | 14.2% (n = 33) | 0.350 |
Yoga (%) | 7.85% (n = 30) | 14.6% (n = 22) | 3.4% (n = 8) | 0.001 |
Acupuncture (%) | 4.97% (n = 19) | 7.3% (n = 11) | 3.4% (n = 8) | 0.198 |
Consumption of exotic animals/venoms (%) | 4.9% (n = 19) | 2.0% (n = 3) | 7.1% (n = 16) | 0.037 |
Bioelectromagnetic therapy (%) | 2.0% (n = 8) | 2.0% (n = 3) | 2.0% (n = 5) | 0.999 |
Spiritual Cleanse (%) | 0.7% (n = 3) | 0.0% | 1.4% (n = 3) | 0.244 |
Two or more therapies (%) | 20.1% (n = 77) | 18.5% (n = 28) | 21.6% (n = 49) | 0.564 |
Three or more therapies (%) | 6.0% (n = 23) | 6.6% (n = 10) | 5.5% (n = 13) | 0.809 |
Variable | Ad OR | 95% CI | p | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Factors associated with all participants | ||||
Female | 2.816 | 1.487 | 5.331 | 0.001 |
Knows Traditional Medicine Concept | 1.689 | 1.004 | 2.840 | 0.048 |
Factors associated with healthcare personnel | ||||
Female | 3.695 | 1.197 | 11.403 | 0.023 |
Factors associated with oncology patients | ||||
Female | 2.587 | 1.175 | 5.696 | 0.018 |
Characteristic | All | Healthcare Personnel | Oncology Patients | p |
---|---|---|---|---|
(n = 382) | (n = 152) | (n = 230) | ||
Herbal products (%) | 32.4% (n = 123) | 15.8% (n = 23) | 43.4% (n = 100) | <0.001 |
Non-conventional nutritional interventions (%) | 1.6% (n = 6) | 3.3% (n = 5) | 0.4% (n = 1) | 0.039 |
Homeopathy (%) | 6.8% (n = 26) | 3.3% (n = 5) | 9.2% (n = 21) | 0.036 |
Yoga (%) | 2.4% (n = 9) | 3.3% (n = 5) | 1.7% (n = 4) | 0.493 |
Acupuncture (%) | 1.6% (n = 6) | 1.3% (n = 2) | 1.7% (n = 4) | 0.999 |
Consumption of exotic animals/venoms (%) | 2.9% (n = 11) | 0.0% | 4.8% (n = 11) | 0.004 |
Bioelectromagnetic therapy (%) | 1.3% (n = 5) | 1.3% (n = 2) | 1.3% (n = 3) | 0.999 |
Spiritual Cleanse (%) | 0.5% (n = 2) | 0.0% | 0.9% (n = 2) | 0.519 |
Two or more therapies (%) | 10.5% (n = 40) | 6.6% (n = 10) | 13.2% (n = 30) | 0.042 |
Three or more therapies (%) | 2.9% (n = 11) | 2.6% (n = 4) | 3.1% (n = 7) | 0.999 |
Variable | Ad OR | 95% CI | p | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Factors associated with all participants | ||||
Oncology patient | 6.573 | 3.732 | 11.574 | <0.001 |
BMI ≥ 30 (obesity) | 0.610 | 0.376 | 0.990 | 0.045 |
Knowledge of traditional medicine | 2.690 | 1.639 | 4.415 | <0.001 |
Factors associated with healthcare personnel | ||||
Married or living with partner | 0.208 | 0.074 | 0.583 | 0.003 |
Hypertension (HTA) | 5.838 | 1.330 | 25.621 | 0.019 |
Age ≥ 50 years | 4.267 | 1.496 | 12.171 | 0.007 |
BMI ≥ 30 (obesity) | 0.170 | 0.036 | 0.798 | 0.025 |
Factors associated with oncology patients | ||||
Knowledge of traditional medicine | 2.650 | 1.533 | 4.581 | <0.001 |
Characteristic | All | Healthcare Professionals | Oncology Patients | p |
---|---|---|---|---|
(n = 382) | (n = 152) | (n = 230) | ||
It works well for some diseases, but should be used alongside conventional medicine | 64.9% (n = 248) | 48.7% (n = 74) | 75.7% (n = 174) | <0.001 |
It works well for some diseases, where it can be the sole treatment | 14.4% (n = 55) | 24.3% (n = 37) | 7.8% (n = 18) | <0.001 |
It works well for all diseases, and can be the only treatment | 5.5% (n = 21) | 9.2% (n = 14) | 3.0% (n = 7) | 0.012 |
I respect its use, but would not use it | 14.1% (n = 54) | 15.8% (n = 24) | 13.0% (n = 30) | 0.457 |
I do not agree | 1.0% (n = 4) | 2.0% (n = 3) | 0.4% (n = 1) | 0.306 |
Positive opinion of its use | 84.8% (n = 324) | 82.2% (n = 125) | 86.5% (n = 199) | 0.308 |
Category | Product | Scientific Name | Oncology Patients % (n) | Healthcare Personnel % (n) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Herbal products | Guanabana or Soursop | Annona muricata | 33.7 (78) | NA |
Maguey | Agave spp. | 9.3 (21) | NA | |
Aloe Vera | Aloe vera | 4.1 (9) | 2.8 (4) | |
Kalanchoe | Kalanchoe pinnata | 3.5 (8) | NA | |
Guava | Psidium guajava | 2.9 (7) | 1.9 (3) | |
Turmeric | Curcuma longa | 1.7 (4) | 2.8 (4) | |
Cat’s Claw | Uncaria tomentosa | 1.7 (4) | NA | |
Chicory (in Spanish: chico corrioso) | Cichorium intybus | 1.7 (4) | NA | |
Arnica | Arnica montana | 1.7 (4) | 2.8 (4) | |
Chamomile | Matricaria chamomilla | 1.2 (3) | 6.5 (10) | |
Skunk Plant | Paullinia pinnata | 1.2 (3) | 9.3 (14) | |
Garlic | Allium sativum | 1.2 (3) | 1.9 (3) | |
Moringa | Moringa oleifera | 1.2 (3) | NA | |
Cuachalalate | Amphipterygium adstringens | 1.2 (3) | NA | |
Horsetail | Equisetum arvense | 1.2 (3) | NA | |
Sapote (in Spanish: zapote) | Casimiroa edulis | 1.2 (3) | NA | |
Hedgehog (in Spanish: erizo) | Kroenleinia grusonii | 1.2 (3) | NA | |
Mezcal | Agave spp. | 1.2 (3) | NA | |
Coconut | Cocos nucifera | 1.2 (3) | NA | |
Spearmint | Mentha spicata | NA | 4.7 (7) | |
Cinnamon | Cinnamomum verum | NA | 4.7 (7) | |
Abango | Pulmonaria officinalis | NA | 3.7 (6) | |
Rue (in Spanish: ruda) | Ruta graveolens L. | NA | 3.7 (6) | |
Horse Chestnut | Aesculus hippocastanum | NA | 3.7 (6) | |
Passionflower | Passiflora incarnata | NA | 2.8 (4) | |
Ginger | Zingiber officinale | NA | 2.8 (4) | |
Noni | Morinda citrifolia | NA | 2.8 (4)) | |
Snake Plant (in Spanish:espada de ángel) | Dracaena trifasciata | NA | 2.8 (4) | |
Black Nightshade Root | Solanum nigrum L. | NA | 2.8 (4) | |
Rosemary | Salvia rosmarinus | NA | 1.9 (3) | |
Linden | Tilia americana var. mexicana | NA | 1.9 (3) | |
Lemongrass | Cymbopogon citratus | NA | 1.9 (3) | |
Parota | Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) Griseb | NA | 1.9 (3) | |
Palo santo | Bursera graveolens | NA | 1.9 | |
Consumption of exotic animals/venoms | Propolis | Apis mellifera Propolis | NA | 2.8 (4) |
Snake Meat | Crotalus spp. | 2.9 (7) | NA | |
Immunocal | Whey Protein Product | 1.7 (4) | NA | |
Iguana Meat | Iguana iguana | 1.2 (3) | NA | |
Venoms | Scorpion and Rattlesnake Venom (Centruroides tecomanus and Crotalus spp.) | 1.2 (3) | NA | |
Unspecified | Unnamed Products * | 4.1 (9) | 7.5 (11) |
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Hernandez-Fuentes, G.A.; Gómez-Bueno, J.d.D.; Pérez-Santos, V.M.; Valle-Capitaine, I.J.; Villaseñor-Gonzalez, P.M.; Hernández-Zamorano, C.J.; Silva-Vázquez, C.G.; Cruz-Ruiz, M.d.l.; Diaz-Martinez, J.; Garza-Veloz, I.; et al. Comparing Perspectives on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Use in Oncology: Insights from Healthcare Professionals and Oncology Patients in Western Mexico. Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32, 71. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32020071
Hernandez-Fuentes GA, Gómez-Bueno JdD, Pérez-Santos VM, Valle-Capitaine IJ, Villaseñor-Gonzalez PM, Hernández-Zamorano CJ, Silva-Vázquez CG, Cruz-Ruiz Mdl, Diaz-Martinez J, Garza-Veloz I, et al. Comparing Perspectives on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Use in Oncology: Insights from Healthcare Professionals and Oncology Patients in Western Mexico. Current Oncology. 2025; 32(2):71. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32020071
Chicago/Turabian StyleHernandez-Fuentes, Gustavo A., Juan de D. Gómez-Bueno, Verónica M. Pérez-Santos, Imri J. Valle-Capitaine, Paula M. Villaseñor-Gonzalez, Cristopher J. Hernández-Zamorano, César G. Silva-Vázquez, Miriam de la Cruz-Ruiz, Janet Diaz-Martinez, Idalia Garza-Veloz, and et al. 2025. "Comparing Perspectives on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Use in Oncology: Insights from Healthcare Professionals and Oncology Patients in Western Mexico" Current Oncology 32, no. 2: 71. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32020071
APA StyleHernandez-Fuentes, G. A., Gómez-Bueno, J. d. D., Pérez-Santos, V. M., Valle-Capitaine, I. J., Villaseñor-Gonzalez, P. M., Hernández-Zamorano, C. J., Silva-Vázquez, C. G., Cruz-Ruiz, M. d. l., Diaz-Martinez, J., Garza-Veloz, I., Rodriguez-Sanchez, I. P., Martinez-Fierro, M. L., Guzmán-Esquivel, J., Rojas-Larios, F., & Delgado-Enciso, I. (2025). Comparing Perspectives on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Use in Oncology: Insights from Healthcare Professionals and Oncology Patients in Western Mexico. Current Oncology, 32(2), 71. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32020071