The Use of Energy Medicines (EM), Manipulative Body Based Therapies(MBBT), Therapies from Whole Medical Systems (WMS) and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objectives: Although Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use is common among healthy individuals and patients with chronic diseases, there is paucity in data regarding the use of Energy Medicines (EM), Manipulative Body Based Therapies (MBBT) and therapies from Whole Medical Systems (WMS) among Malaysian oncology patients. The study aimed to examine the use of EM, MBBT therapies from WMS and the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in a group of Malaysian cancer patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 393 cancer patients at the oncology clinic of Penang General Hospital, Malaysia, 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 QLQC30). Results: Out of 393 respondents, 46.8% (n=184) had used CAM for their condition. A total of 73 (39.6%) reported to use different types of EM, MBBT and therapies from WMS. The majority of the EM, MBBT, WMS users were female 52 (71.2%), aged between 48 and 67 years 42 (57.5%), and were Buddhist 35 (49.3%, p=0.007) from Chinese ethnicity 37 (52%, p-0.011). Therapies from WMS such as traditional Chinese medicines 39 (53.4%), traditional Malay medicines 16 (21.9%), Homeopathy 7 (9.5%), Ayurveda 6 (8.2%) were most commonly used by the participants. Only 18 (24.6%) reported to spend between 101-500 Ringgit Malaysia (MYR). Friend and family members 58 (76.7%) were the most important source of information. No significant difference was found in Global health status/quality of life scores between EM, MBBT, WMS users and non users (p=0.763).