Research Information System
Geriatric Nursing, vol.69, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
Aim This study aimed to evaluate care dependency, intolerance of uncertainty, and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among patients receiving home healthcare services. Methods This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between January and April 2025, with patients (n = 150) registered in the home healthcare unit of a hospital. Data were collected using the “Patient Descriptive Information Form, Care Dependency Scale,” Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12),” and “Traditional and Complementary Medicine Attitude Scale)”. Results The mean age of the patients was 69.81 ± 10.94 years; 56.0 % were female, and 65.3 % had a moderate level of daily activity. Disabled patients, those who reported feeling uncertain about their health process, and those who used CAM had significantly higher scores for care dependency, intolerance of uncertainty, and CAM ( p < .001). A strong negative correlation was found between care dependency scores and intolerance of uncertainty (r =-0.530, p < .001). Additionally, a moderate negative correlation was observed between care dependency scores and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (r =-0.302, p = 0.013). Conclusions As the level of dependency increased among patients receiving home healthcare services, their intolerance of uncertainty and positive attitudes toward CAM also increased. It is important to provide information on CAM practices, particularly for patients who are highly dependent and experience high levels of uncertainty about the future. Home care nurses are advised to facilitate patients’ access to reliable resources and establish open communication on this subject.