Use of mind body complementary therapies (MBCTs) and health related quality of life (HRQoL) of cancer patients
- Author:
Maryam Farooqui
;
Mohamed Azmi Hassali
;
Aishah Knight Abdul Shatar
;
Asrul Akmal Shafie
;
Muhammad Aslam Farooqui
;
Fahad Saleem
;
Noman-ul Haq
;
Habibah Binti Ayob
;
Ch Noriah Othman
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Mind Body Complementary Therapies, Cancer Patients, Quantitative, HRQoL
- From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry
2013;14(1):1-11
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Prayers, spiritual healing, yoga, meditation, t’ai chi, qigong and support groups are classified as mind body complementary therapies (MBCTs). The study
aimed to examine the prevalence of MBCTs use and the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in a group of Malaysian cancer patients. Methods: This crosssectional
study was conducted on 184 cancer patients at the oncology clinic of Penang general hospital, Malaysia. MBCTs was assessed using a self- administered
questionnaire while the HRQoL of the participants was assessed by using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life
Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Results: Among the complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) users, 75(40.7%) patients self-reported using MBCTs
while having cancer. Majority of MBCTs users were female 60(80%, p=0.01), aged between 38 and 57 (58%), and were of Malay ethnicity (61%). Socio-demographic
factors including age (r=0.15, p=0.03) and monthly house-hold income (r= -0.25, p<0.001) were significantly correlated with MBCTs use. Prayers for health reasons
was the most frequently practised MBCTs modality, followed by spiritual practices 20(10.8%), meditation 7(5.9%), t’ai chi 7(3.8%), music therapy 4(2.1%), qigong
1(0.5%), hypnotherapy 1(0.5%), and reiki 1(0.5%). Recommendations from friends and family members 53(70%) were the most common reasons of MBCTs use
followed by patient’s own will 22(29.3%). Health related Quality of Life (HRQoL) scores showed significant difference in all functional and symptoms scores among
MBCTs users and non-users (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study helps to identify numerous MBCTs commonly practised by a group of Malaysian cancer patients.
Prayers specifically for health reasons and spiritual practices were somewhat common among patients. Viewing MBCTs, not as alternative but to complement
conventional cancer therapies may help to address cancer patients’ emotional and psychological needs.
