The effect of complementary and integrative medicine on symptom management and quality of life in Turkish oncology patients: a cross-sectional study

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the perceived effect of complementary and integrative medicine CIM) methods used by oncology patients on their symptom management and quality of life patients attending a Turkish oncology setting. Methods: 145 oncology Turkish oncology patients were surveyed between July 2018 and August 2018. Data were collected on personal and demographic information, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, The Nightingale Symptom Assessment Scale. Complementary and integrative medicine use was determined by the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Scale. Results: Age had a positive significant correlation with CIM use, particularly manipulative and herbal approaches. Educational status had a negative significant correlation with CIM use and cognitive-behavioral therapy subscale. A positive significant correlation was determined between the duration of cancer diagnosis and the cognitive-behavioral therapies subscale. A positive significant correlation was determined between cognitive-behavioral therapies subscale and social well-being state. Conclusion: CIM approaches are commonly used by Turksih oncology patients.