Exploring traditional and complementary medicine use by Indigenous Australian women undergoing gynaecological cancer investigations.
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Date
2019-06-19
Author(s)
Journal Title
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Affiliation(s)
(Gall, Anderson, Diaz, Garvey) Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
(Matthews) The University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, Australia
(Adams) University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
(Taylor) Endeavour College of Natural Health, Brisbane, Australia
(Matthews) The University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, Australia
(Adams) University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
(Taylor) Endeavour College of Natural Health, Brisbane, Australia
Year
2019
Citation
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. Vol.36, 2019, pp. 88-93.
Journal
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
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Grant information
No: #1041111 Organisation: (NHMRC) National Health and Medical Research Council Organisation No: 501100000925 Country: Australia
The authors acknowledge the ongoing support of the Lowitja Institute, Australia's National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research.
The authors acknowledge the ongoing support of the Lowitja Institute, Australia's National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research.
Abstract
Background: Indigenous Australian women experience worse gynaecological cancer outcomes than non-Indigenous women. While traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is increasingly used by cancer patients alongside conventional treatments, little is known about T&CM use by Indigenous women. This study aimed to explore the beliefs, attitudes and experiences related to T&CM use and disclosure among Indigenous women undergoing gynaecological cancer investigations. Method(s): A mixed-methods design explored T&CM use among Indigenous women who presented for gynaecological cancer investigation at an urban Queensland hospital (September 2016 and January 2018). Result(s): Fourteen women participated. The reported use (86%) and perceived value of T&CM was high among the participants, however, women reported major challenges in communicating with healthcare providers about T&CM, commonly associated with trust and rapport. Conclusion(s): These findings highlight the need for strategies to facilitate culturally-appropriate doctor-patient communication around T&CM to foster trust and transparency in gynaecological cancer care for Indigenous women. Copyright © 2019
PubMed ID
Type
Article
Study type
Observational study (cohort, case-control, cross sectional, or survey)
Subjects
Cancer