CMR464442_sm_Suppl_Material.pdf (440.88 kB)
Supplementary Material for: Two-Thirds of Survey Respondents in Southern Sweden Used Complementary or Alternative Medicine in 2015
journal contribution
posted on 2017-05-24, 11:04 authored by Wemrell M., Merlo J., Mulinari S., Hornborg A.C.Background: Research has long suggested that a large and
possibly growing number of people use complementary or
alternative medicine (CAM). However, in many countries,
such as Sweden, national and regional research on CAM use
is still very limited. Existing prevalence studies are few and
characterized by low comparability. This study aims to contribute
towards addressing this knowledge gap. Methods: A
web-based survey measured the use of and attitude towards
CAM and conventional medicine in the southernmost Swedish
province of Scania, while taking part in the development
of a measurement tool for the standardized study of CAM use
within the European Union (EU; I-CAM-Q). Results: 71% of the
respondents (n = 1,534) reported having used some form of
CAM in the past year. CAM consumption here includes visits
to CAM providers, use of natural remedies, and use of selfhelp
methods. Reported use was more common among
women, younger age groups, and people with tertiary education.
69% of the respondents stated that collaboration between
conventional medicine and complementary medicine
should increase. The survey’s response rate was 31%. Conclusions:
The study confirms that CAM forms a considerable
part of the health care offered to and used by the population.
In the face of the existing lack of national and regional data
on CAM usage, it affirms the importance of furthered investigation
of CAM consumption, policy, practice, regulation, and
education.