Development and evaluation of the R-I-CAM-Q as a brief summative measure of CAM utilisation

Gabrielle M Bryden; Matthew Browne

doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2016.05.007

Development and evaluation of the R-I-CAM-Q as a brief summative measure of CAM utilisation

Complement Ther Med. 2016 Aug:27:82-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.05.007. Epub 2016 Jun 16.

Authors

Gabrielle M Bryden¹, Matthew Browne²

Affiliations

¹ School of Human, Health & Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, University Dr, Branyan, QLD 4670, Australia. Electronic address: gabrielle.bryden@cqumail.com.
² School of Human, Health & Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, University Dr, Branyan, QLD 4670, Australia. Electronic address: m.browne@cqu.edu.au.

PMID: 27515881
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.05.007

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates a revised version of the I-CAM-Q, the R-I-CAM-Q, which is a shorter scale, and suitable for use as a brief, summative measure of CAM utilisation.

Design: Online survey with an Australian sample (n=2697).

Analysis: The psychometric properties of the I-CAM-Q were analysed using Mokken Scaling Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling.

Results: A subset of items were identified as having an adequate uni-dimensional structure that can be aggregated to yield a scalar measure of CAM utilisation. Certain items, including prayer for health purposes, and chiropractic, were not indicative of general CAM use.

Conclusions: The R-I-CAM-Q provides a unitary, aggregate measure of CAM utilisation that provides scope for replicable research into the determinants of CAM use. It is the first quantitative and summative measure of general CAM use, developed and tested using modern psychometric methods.

Keywords: CAM; Complementary and alternative medicine; Health psychology; I-CAM-Q; Psychometrics; R-I-CAM-Q.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Australia
Complementary Therapies / psychology*
Female
Health Care Surveys
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Psychometrics / methods
Young Adult