Supportive Care in Cancer
Volume 20, Issue 2, 2012, Pages 253-260

Perceptions about complementary and alternative medicine use among Chinese immigrant parents of children with cancer (Article)

Watt L. , Gulati S. , Shaw N.T. , Sung L. , Dix D. , Poureslami I. , Klassen A.F.*
  • a Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, HSC 3A, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4J9, Canada
  • b Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, HSC 3A, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4J9, Canada
  • c Health Informatics Institute, Algoma University, 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste., Marie, ON P6A 2G4, Canada
  • d Division of Haematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
  • e Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia A119D, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 4C9, Canada
  • f Respiratory Medicine Division, VCH Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 828 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
  • g Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, HSC 3A, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4J9, Canada

Abstract

Purpose: Research indicates complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among children with cancer is common and widespread. CAM use, particularly traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is prevalent in the country of origin of Chinese immigrant families, yet little is known about its use after immigrating to Canada. This paper describes 25 Chinese immigrant parents' perception about the use of CAM in their child with cancer in Canada. Methods: This qualitative grounded theory study is part of a larger study of the caregiving experiences of first generation Chinese and South Asian parents of children with cancer. Chinese parents of children at least 6 months post-diagnosis were recruited from four Canadian pediatric oncology centers. Interviews were conducted in English, Cantonese, or Mandarin and transcribed into English. Analysis involved coding and the use of the constant comparison method to identify important themes. Results: In discussing their caregiving experiences, CAM emerged as an important theme. The following sub-themes were identified: (1) trust in conventional medicine to cure cancer; (2) use of dietary modifications and restrictions; (3) extent of communication with healthcare providers about TCM use; and (4) limited availability of culturally relevant information. Conclusions: While Chinese immigrant parents in this study placed their trust in conventional medicine to treat their child, the use of food as therapy is part of their daily cultural practice. To ensure safe cancer treatment and more culturally sensitive care, it is essential for health providers to offer reliable information and encourage open discussions about CAM use with Chinese immigrant parents. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.

Author Keywords

immigrant parents Grounded theory Food therapy Complementary and alternative medicine Traditional Chinese medicine childhood cancer Qualitative study

Index Keywords

Parents perception China immigrant childhood cancer information dissemination Chinese Neoplasms human middle aged dietary modification controlled study priority journal diet restriction alternative medicine interview Humans male Canada Emigrants and Immigrants female cultural factor Article help seeking behavior adult diet therapy parental attitude attitude to health therapy effect Data Collection Complementary Therapies
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84855190846&doi=10.1007%2fs00520-010-1063-y&partnerID=40&md5=92f1d6bf96fe4c9f148c79e2bb721c70
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-010-1063-y
ISSN: 09414355
Cited by: 9
Original Language: English