Psychosocial factors that predict why people use complementary and alternative medicine and continue with its use: a population based study

P Thomson; J Jones; M Browne; S J Leslie

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.09.004

Psychosocial factors that predict why people use complementary and alternative medicine and continue with its use: a population based study

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2014 Nov;20(4):302-10. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.09.004. Epub 2014 Oct 8.

Authors

P Thomson¹, J Jones², M Browne³, S J Leslie⁴

Affiliations

¹ School of Health Sciences, BG Bomont Building, University of Stirling, Stirling Campus, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK. Electronic address: patricia.thomson@stir.ac.uk.
² School of Health Sciences, Centre for Health Science, University of Stirling, Highland Campus, Old Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 3JH, Scotland, UK.
³ School of Human, Health and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg Campus, University Drive, Branyan QLD 4670, Australia.
⁴ School of Health Sciences, Centre for Health Science, University of Stirling, Highland Campus, Old Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 3JH, Scotland, UK; Cardiac Unit, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness IV32 3UJ, Scotland, UK.

PMID: 25456023
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.09.004

Abstract

Studies have explored the predictors of CAM use but fewer data explain the psychosocial factors associated with this and why people continue with CAM.

Aims: To examine the psychosocial factors that predict CAM use; to explore the predictors of continuing with CAM.

Design: A cross sectional survey.

Methods: 1256 adults were interviewed as part of 2012 Queensland Social Survey. We included questions about CAM, perceived control, cognitive style, spirituality and openness. Relationships were explored using bivariate and multiple logistic regression.

Results: 79% of people had used CAM in the last 12 months. Socio-demographics, health behaviours, spirituality, openness and prescribing sources were the strongest predictors of CAM use. General health, chronic illness and prescribing sources predicted continued CAM use.

Conclusion: There was high CAM use in Queensland, Australia. Personal characteristics and psychosocial factors need to be considered as part of the individual's holistic assessment and on-going care.

Keywords: Cognitive style; Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM); Openness; Perceived control; Spirituality.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Australia
Complementary Therapies / psychology*
Complementary Therapies / statistics & numerical data*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Health Behavior
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
Spirituality
Young Adult