The number of women living with a breast cancer diagnosis will continue to
increase with growing breast cancer incidence rates, greater utilization of early
detection, and longer length of survival times. The prevalence of complementary
and alternative medicine (CAM) is likely to increase as well, making it important to
determine the nature and extent of CAM use in this population. This study
explored CAM use and the influence of the control constructs in the context of the
theory of cognitive adaptation. Computer-assisted telephone interviews were
completed with 551 women diagnosed with breast cancer in Portland, Oregon.
Results indicated that two-thirds (66%) of the women used at least one CAM
therapy during the past 12 months. The majority of women had high perceptions of
cancer control and believed the CAM therapies were important in influencing the
course of the cancer. Logistical regression analysis found that significant
demographic predictors of CAM use were younger age, higher education, and
private insurance. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to refine and test the
construct validation of the Cancer Locus of Control scale. Results supported a
three-factor model (control over cause of cancer, control over course of cancer, and
religious control of cancer) of the scale. Results of multinomial logistical
regression indicated that higher perceptions of control over the course of the cancer
significantly predicted CAM use in three categories. Religious control over the
cancer was not a predictor of CAM use. The findings from this study will help
health care professionals and policy makers identify patient needs that go beyond
surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and address patient-centered health-related
goals and outcomes for optimal health and recovery from breast cancer. / Graduation date: 2002
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/32079 |
| Date | 26 June 2001 |
| Creators | Henderson, Jessica W. |
| Contributors | Donatelle, Rebecca J. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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