The relationship between traditional, alternative, and complementary medicine attitudes and health beliefs and spiritual well-being of patients receiving chemotherapy

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between traditional, alternative, and complementary medicine attitudes and beliefs and the spiritual well-being of patients receiving chemotherapy. The study had a descriptive and cross-sectional design and was conducted between July 2023 and March 2024 in Kırklareli with 136 people who were aged 18 and over and who volunteered to participate in the study. The data of the study were collected face to face with the help of the Personal Data Form, Traditional and Complementary Medicine Attitudes Scale (TCMAS), TCMAS Health Beliefs Scale, and Spiritual Well-Being Scale. The mean age of the participants was found to be 60.51±11.99 and the frequency of using TCMAS methods was 14.0%. A statistically significant relationship was detected between TCMAS Attitudes and TCMAS Health Beliefs Scale total scores and gender, working status, using TCMAS methods, TCMAS knowledge levels (p<0.05). Also, significant relationships were detected between TCMAS Attitudes Scale total scores and age, educational status, perceived income levels, and TCMAS Health Beliefs Scale total scores (p<0.05). Statistically significant relationships were detected between the SWS total scores and educational status (p<0.05). A positive relationship was detected between the SWS total, Self-Efficacy and Life Plan sub-dimension scores and the Holistic View of Health sub-dimension scores (p<0.05) and a statistically significant and negative relationship was detected with the Dissatisfaction with Modern Medicine subscale score (p<0.001). No significant relationship was detected between the SWS total score, Self-Efficacy and Life Plan sub-dimension scores and the TCMAS Attitude Scale total score, Reflective View of Complementary Medicine sub-dimension score and TCMAS Health Belief Scale total score (p>0.05). As a result, it is of great importance to consider the spiritual needs and holistic approaches of cancer patients during their treatment process. This awareness can improve the quality of life of patients and affect their treatment positively.