Transition behavior in the use of complementary and alternative medicine during follow-up after radical prostatectomy: a multicenter survey in Japan

Objectives: We evaluated the prevalence of use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as well as the transitional nature of its use, before and after radical prostatectomy in Japanese patients with localized prostate cancer. Methods: We enrolled 376 patients, who answered a self-administered questionnaire on CAM use, psychological health locus of control (HLC), and general-health-related quality of life (GHQL). Detailed information regarding CAM use according to the transtheoretical model, and the time at initiation and abandonment of CAM use were assessed. Medical information was also extracted from patient charts. Results: 45.7% of patients belonged to the “precontemplation” stage, 29.8% to the “contemplation” stage, 1.9% to the “preparation” stage, 14.4% to the “action” stage, and 8.2% to the “relapse” stage. Although patient age and educational status had a significant impact on stage of CAM use, HLC and GHQL were not associated with them. The time-course of prevalence of CAM use during follow-up was divided into three phases: “initial,” “rapid-increase,” and “maintenance”. Conclusions: Among patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, non-users can be classified into several behavioral stages, while users do not use CAM constantly during follow-up.