Page 76 - GS_Journal_2015

GS Research Journal

CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE
THERAPIES: A CASE STUDY
EVANGELINE L. LORENZO

The study focused on the use of complementary and alternative therapies among
patients diagnosed with cancer. It focused on patients affected with different types of cancer like
breast, fallopian tube, cervical, left kidney, thyroid papillary carcinoma and melanoma. It dealt
on the profile of the respondents like age, sex, civil status, highest educational attainment, type
of cancer, year diagnosed, number of years using CAM therapy and the type of CAM therapy
used. It also dealt on the lived experiences of cancer patients along physical, mental, socio-
economic and spiritual. It also includes the problem encountered by the respondents in terms of
utilization of CAM therapy. Based on the problems identified, a proposed program was prepared
for the utilization by the cancer patients.
Case study method was used in the study where an interview guide questions was
prepared for the respondents to answer. Related questions about their life experiences were also
investigated for the enrichment of the study.
Majority of the respondents belong to the age bracket of 50 years old and above,
female, married, bachelor’s degree holder, having diagnosed with different type of cancer,
diagnosed with the disease for few years back, utilizing CAM therapies for more than 3 years
and used the supplementation and biologically based therapies.
On their lived experiences, all of them manifested the signs and symptoms of the
disease, fought for the recovery for the disease, with the support of their families and relatives.
Their conditions made their family closer to one another and greatly ask for the Divine Providence
for more blessings and quality of life.
On the problems encountered, all of them were greatly affected physically, due to the
effects of their treatment like falling of hair, severe pain, nausea and vomiting, poor appetite and
insomnia. They continually used complementary and alternative therapies like supplementation
and the use of biologically based therapies, like concoction of plants like guyabano, carrots
and other fruits, meditation and prayer. Regardless of their financial capabilities, they find time
to locate the CAM therapies to be used sacrificing time and efforts just to avail their preferred
alternative therapies. The proposed program can be utilized to improve their conditions and
enhance their quality of life.

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF THE BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS
ZENITH VALE M. LUCAS

This study aimed to determine knowledge and practices of the respondents on the
Health Programs of the DOH in the Urdaneta City. Specifically, it sought to determine: the
profile in terms of age, sex, monthly family income, highest educational attainment, length of

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