The complementary and alternative medicine use among asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in the southern region of Turkey


Akinci A. C., Zengin N., Yildiz H., Sener E., Gunaydin B.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING PRACTICE, cilt.17, sa.6, ss.571-582, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 17 Sayı: 6
  • Basım Tarihi: 2011
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/j.1440-172x.2011.01976.x
  • Dergi Adı: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING PRACTICE
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.571-582
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The aim of this descriptive study was to investigate the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) applications and factors associated and its use among asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in the southern region of Turkey. The study sample consisted of 197 patients. A percentage of 86.3 of asthma and COPD patients used at least one type of CAM. The most commonly used CAM methods are deep inhalation (51.8%), herb or herbal tea (46.7%), praying (41.1%) and applying vapour (36%). Patients generally use CAM methods for breathing comfortably, improving respiration, reducing dyspnoea, and relaxing. Patients frequently use CAM methods together with medical treatments, and they benefit from these methods without getting any harm. The rate of CAM usage is higher among patients who have a longer period of asthma and COPD and more than five symptoms of asthma and COPD. In conclusion, CAM is used commonly by asthma and COPD patients. The CAM usage rate is higher among patients who have a longer period of asthma and COPD and more than five symptoms of asthma and COPD.