The relationship between patient activation measure and use of complementary and alternative medicine in oncology patients

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly utilized by cancer patients seeking additional ways to manage their health. Understanding how patient activation influences CAM usage and interest can guide more effective patient-centered care approaches. This study aims to explore the relationship between patient activation and the utilization and interest in CAM among cancer patients, employing both linear and non-linear regression analyses to assess these dynamics. A total of 195 cancer patients completed an online survey assessing their level of patient activation, CAM usage, and interest in CAM. Data were analysed using linear and non-linear regression models to examine the effects of patient activation on CAM usage and interest. There were only weak associations found between patient activation, CAM use, and interest in CAM, and the discovered relationships were curvilinear with low explanatory and predictive values. Linear regression analysis revealed a very small and non-significant relationship between patient activation and CAM use (R² =.013), whereas a small but significant positive relationship was found between patient activation and interest in CAM (R² =.025). Non-linear regression analysis revealed a curvilinear relationship between patient activation and CAM use, which tended to increase at lower to moderate levels of patient activation and then decreased at higher levels (R² =.044). The findings suggest that the relationship between patient activation and CAM usage among cancer patients is complex and non-linear. Future studies should utilize larger, more representative samples and apply multivariable methods to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing CAM-related decision-making in oncology populations. • higher levels of patient activation were generally associated with increased interest in CAM, did not straightforwardly translate into higher usage • slight tendency towards lower CAM usage among highly activated patients • patients with higher CAM usage often showed lower interest in CAM • CAM usage and interest initially increase with patient activation but begin to decline once a moderate level of activation is reached suggesting an optial level of patient activation for CAM use • low patient activation was associated with higher utilization of complementary medicine, while high patient activation correlated with lower utilization • utilization initially increases with rising patient activation but decreases at moderate activation levels