A Qualitative Study of Factors Influencing Thai Women with Breast Cancer to Use Complementary and Alternative Medicine

While taking conventional medicines to cure cancer, some people also use complementary and alternative medicine to improve their health and well-being. This study used Leininger's ethnonursing method to identify cultural factors influencing 17 Thai women with breast cancer to select complementary and alternative medicines for their health and well-being. They were recruited from a hospital in the lower northern part of Thailand and in-depth interviews and field notes were utilized with each participant. Data were analyzed by using Leininger's method. Findings revealed that factors influencing them to select complementary and alternative medicine centred on (1) kinship, (2) social factors, (3) economic status, and (4) beliefs and lifestyles. Findings suggested that many important factors influenced participants' decisions about using complementary and alternative medicines. Family members and significant others were the most important resources of information. Financial issues were a barrier to continue or discontinue use of complementary and alternative medicines. The beliefs and lifestyles of Thai people also influenced the selection of types of alternative medicine used by the participants. Therefore, nurses should assess patients' perspectives, such as their beliefs and their social networks. Moreover, significant persons should be involved between the health care provider and the patient regarding care practice decision-making.