Résumé :
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[BDSP. Notice produite par INIST 3vrTR0xI. Diffusion soumise à autorisation]. Most of the studies related to the use of unconventional methods of therapy by cancer patients have been carried out in the developed countries. This study was conducted to ascertain the frequency, type, and duration of use of unconventional methods of therapy by cancer patients in Pakistan. We also wanted to identify individuals who are most likely to use these methods and to compare the findings with those reported from the developed countries. Between 1 April and 30 May 1994, all patients with histologically proven cancer who visited the oncology unit were interviewed. A printed questionnaire with questions and options was used as an interview guide. Informed consent was obtained. One hundred and ninety-one patients were interviewed, on average, for 25 minutes each. Use of unconventional methods of therapv by cancer patients was widespread (54.5% of all patients). The majority (83.7%) were influenced by family members to use these methods. Traditional herbal medicines (70.2%) and homeopathy (64.4%) were the most commonly employed methods. Thirty-six percent of the users employed these methods before receiving any conventional therapy. Only 15% used these methods after conventional therapeutic options had been exhausted. Patients generally perceived these methods as useful, non-toxic and inexpensive. Age, marital status, socio-economic background, education level and status of underlying neoplasm did not influence the frequency of use of unconventional methods. (...)
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