Use of complementary and alternative medicine by cancer patients in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) among cancer patients varies greatly. The available data suggest an increasing use of CAM over time and a higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. However, no reliable data are available from Latin America. Accordingly, we examined the prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients from six Colombian regions. METHODS: We conducted a survey on cancer patients attending comprehensive cancer centres in six capital cities from different regions. The survey was designed based on a literature review and information gathered through focus groups on CAM terminology in Colombia. Independent random samples of patients from two comprehensive cancer centres in every city were obtained. Patients 18 years and older with a histopathological diagnosis of cancer undergoing active treatment were eligible. The prevalence of CAM use is reported as a percentage with the corresponding confidence interval. CAM types are reported by region. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of CAM users and non-users were compared using Chi square and t tests. RESULTS: In total, 3117 patients were recruited. The average age 59.6 years old, and 62.8% were female. The prevalence of CAM use was 51.7%, and compared to non-users, CAM users were younger, more frequently women, affiliated with the health insurance plan for low-income populations and non-Catholic. We found no differences regarding the clinical stage or treatment modality, but CAM users reported more treatment-related side effects. The most frequent types of CAM were herbal products, specific foods and vitamins, and individually, soursop was the most frequently used product. Relevant variability between regions was observed regarding the prevalence and type of CAM used (range: 36.6% to 66.7%). The most frequent reason for using CAM was symptom management (30.5%), followed by curative purposes (19.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients in Colombia is high in general, and variations between regions might be related to differences in cultural backgrounds and access to comprehensive cancer care. The most frequently used CAM products and practices have little scientific support, suggesting the need to enhance integrative oncology research in the country.

Colombian Adaptation of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS).

BACKGROUND: Self-Compassion is crucial for assessing how people relate to their suffering in moments of personal difficulty. The objective of this study was to check the psychometric properties of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) in a Colombian sample. METHOD: The Spanish version of the SCS was adapted to the Colombian context via a content validity technique. This version was administered to 751 Colombians from the general community. Psychometric analysis was performed using R studio packages. RESULTS: 7 models were tested, the best fit was found for the bifactor ESEM model (χ2/df = 0.86, CFI = 1, TLI= 1, RMSEA= 0.00, SRMR= 0.01). This model produced optimal reliability indices (ωh = 0.83, FD= 0.93, H= 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: The study produced initial psychometric evidence of the structure of the SCS in Colombia, with evidence of a general factor in the bifactor ESEM model. More research is needed to justify the complete usage of the SCS in the country.

Colombian Adaptation of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) / Adaptación Colombiana de la Escala de Autocompasión (EAC)

Background: Self-Compassion is crucial for assessing how people relate to their suffering in moments of personal difficulty. The objective of this study was to check the psychometric properties of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) in a Colombian sample. Method: The Spanish version of the SCS was adapted to the Colombian context via a content validity technique. This version was administered to 751 Colombians from the general community. Psychometric analysis was performed using R studio packages. Results: 7 models were tested, the best fit was found for the bifactor ESEM model (χ2/df = 0.86, CFI = 1, TLI= 1, RMSEA= 0.00, SRMR= 0.01). This model produced optimal reliability indices (ωh = 0.83, FD= 0.93, H= 0.96). Conclusions: The study produced initial psychometric evidence of the structure of the SCS in Colombia, with evidence of a general factor in the bifactor ESEM model. More research is needed to justify the complete usage of the SCS in the country.(AU)

Adaptación Colombiana de la Escala de Autocompasión (EAC). Antecedentes: La Autocompasión es un concepto clave para evaluar la forma en que las personas se relacionan con su sufrimiento en momentos de dificultad personal. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Autocompasión (EAC) en una muestra colombiana. Método: Se adaptó la versión en español de la SCS al contexto colombiano a través de una técnica de validez de contenido. Esta versión fue administrada a 751 colombianos de la comunidad en general. Los análisis psicométricos se realizaron usando diferentes paquetes de R Studio. Resultados: 7 modelos fueron probados, el que mejor ajustó fue el modelo bifactor ESEM (χ2/df = 0.86, CFI = 1, TLI= 1.00, RMSEA= 0.000, SRMR= 0.01). Este modelo obtuvo índices de confiabilidad adecuados (ωh = 0.83, FD= 0.93, H= 0.96). Conclusiones: Se logró obtener una evidencia psicométrica inicial de la estructura del EAC en Colombia, en la cual se obtuvieron pruebas de la existencia de un factor general en el modelo ESEM bifactorial. Es necesario hacer más investigación para justificar completamente el uso del SCS en el país.(AU)