Illness uncertainty and complementary and alternative medicine use in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

In this study, we identified the relationships between illness uncertainty, subjective health, and the use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients undergoing hemodialysis. In total, 138 participants who were diagnosed with stages 4-5 chronic kidney disease and currently receiving hemodialysis were included. A cross-sectional, correlational design was utilized. Illness uncertainty was associated with education, monthly income, employment, and subjective health. The use of complementary and alternative medicine was not related to illness uncertainty. Among the subdomains of illness uncertainty, ambiguity and unpredictability were related to subjective health; 24.6% of the participants were currently using complementary and alternative medicine and 19.6% had used it in the past. Such methods were mainly used for the effective treatment of diseases or relief of symptoms; 88.5% of those using complementary and alternative medicine consumed vitamins, specific foods, or dietary supplements. However, the proportion of participants who consulted with health-care providers was not high. When planning nursing interventions for patients treated with hemodialysis, assessments on illness uncertainty and complementary and alternative medicine use are needed.