Use of Chinese Herbal Medicine and Western Medications among Prostate Cancer Patients in Taiwan
Author Information
Author(s): Lin Yi-Hsien, Chen Kuang-Kuo, Chiu Jen-Hwey
Primary Institution: National Yang-Ming University
Hypothesis
This study aimed to explore the coprescription of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and Western medications (WM) among prostate cancer patients in Taiwan.
Conclusion
The study found that the use of Chinese herbal medicine among prostate cancer patients was popular in Taiwan, with most CHMs used concurrently with Western medications.
Supporting Evidence
- 22.4% of prostate cancer patients were found to be users of Chinese herbal medicine.
- Among CHM users, 91.7% were on coprescription with Western medications.
- The average number of prescriptions per user per year was significantly higher for coprescription patients.
Takeaway
Many men with prostate cancer in Taiwan use both Chinese herbal medicine and regular medicine together, which can be helpful but might also cause problems.
Methodology
This cross-sectional retrospective study used a population-based database containing one million beneficiaries of National Health Insurance to analyze claims and prescriptions.
Potential Biases
The NHIRD is primarily for administrative purposes, and clinical characteristics were not available.
Limitations
The study only accounted for ambulatory services and did not include inpatient services or over-the-counter herbal products.
Participant Demographics
The median age was 75.4 years, with a higher proportion of coprescription patients aged between 50 and 79.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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