Use of complementary and alternative practices and products among African American prostate cancer survivors

Purpose. Purpose of the study was to explore African American prostate cancer survivors' cultural beliefs and attitudes regarding complementary and alternative practices and products (CAPPs) (e.g., herbs, roots, prayer, and spirituality). While the use of CAPPs among cancer patients to maintain or improve health is widespread, few studies have focused on African American men and incorporated their experiences or views on the use of complementary and alternative therapies in relationship to prostate cancer.; Method. A mixed methods research design using a concurrent triangulation strategy was used. This study was conducted within a larger ongoing parent investigation that focused on the development of culturally competent assessment instruments and prostate-specific health status terms for African American men of lower socioeconomic status. Sample size depended upon reaching "data saturation," which occurred at 14 participants. The investigator used a semi-structured interview guide that contained open-ended, categorical, and quantitative questions. The investigator used an iterative approach to enhance the examination of the responses to open-ended questions and thus identify recurring themes within the participants' responses.; Findings. Some findings in this study were consistent with previous studies related to cancer and perhaps served to integrate the whole man---his body, mind and spirit. The following four themes were generated during data analysis: Spiritual Needs are Important to Health, The Value of Education, Trust in Healthcare providers is Necessary and How Men Decide on What to Believe. Major findings within this sample included the strong belief that many CAPPs were superstitions and that not enough is known about CAPPs. Prayer was very important in coping with the stressors that were associated with prostate cancer. In addition, contrary to previous literature, these African American men trusted and respected healthcare providers.; Discussion. Examining cultural beliefs as related to the use of CAPPs by African American men may provide valuable information for healthcare professionals to be aware of as they offer allopathic treatments and talk about prostate cancer with patients in this vulnerable population. These cultural beliefs that surround spirituality and religiosity may be used to facilitate future interventions related to prostate health and ultimately decrease mortality and morbidity rates among African American men.