In Malaysia, up to 68% of cancer patients uses CAM, with CAM disclosure at only 7.6%. Perception of doctors’ poor knowledge on CAM, and non-belief in its practice are some reasons cited for non-disclosure. This may lead to various complications.
This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2 university hospitals in Malaysia from 1st July to 23rd December 2016. All doctors and nurses of Oncology Departments were included. Subjects were briefed on the study before questionnaires were distributed and returned anonymously once completed. The questionnaire was adopted with local adaptations, from a study done in Japan on perceptions and attitudes on CAM. A pilot study was done and the final validated version consists of 2 sections. Section A consists of questions on socio-demographic characteristics of respondent. Section B consisted of questions to assess the respondent’s knowledge, perception and attitude on CAM. Each question was given a point scale. Based on total points obtained, respondents were classified into good or poor knowledge, positive or negative perception and attitude towards CAM.
Total of 60 nurses and 26 doctors responded, with 16 male and 70 female. Generally, all respondents have poor knowledge on CAM. Two thirds (67.4%) were not aware of the existence of the National Policy on CAM in Malaysia. Most have very little or no knowledge on the CAM modalities listed. The respondents have negative perception on CAM, with 83.7% feel the lack of evidence in its effectiveness. Most (72%) think that there is a definite or possible interaction between CAM products and anticancer drugs. All have negative attitude on CAM except 8.1% of respondents encouraging the use of CAM. Majority do not encourage the use of CAM products in both early (79.1%) and advanced (64%) stage.
Oncology-related healthcare providers have poor knowledge, with negative perception and attitude towards CAM.
The authors.
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All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.