Related Experiment Videos
Postmodern values, attitudes and the use of complementary medicine
1School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University-Gold Coast, PMB50 Gold Coast Mail Centre, Gold Coast, Queensland 9726, Australia. f.ocallaghan@mailbox.gu.edu.au
Complementary Therapies in Medicine
|April 2, 2003
Summary
Postmodern values strongly influence attitudes and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Age also impacts CAM attitudes, underscoring the importance of patient beliefs in natural healing.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Health Psychology
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use is widespread.
- Understanding the drivers of CAM attitudes and usage is crucial for healthcare providers.
- Postmodern values may influence health beliefs and behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between postmodern values and demographic factors with attitudes towards and use of acupuncture, aromatherapy, and naturopathy.
- To identify key predictors of CAM engagement.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 171 adults.
- The survey assessed postmodern values related to health, attitudes towards CAM, CAM usage, age, gender, education, and health status.
- Data analysis explored the relationships between these variables.
Main Results:
- Postmodern values were significant predictors of both attitudes towards and actual use of CAM.
- Age was also a significant predictor of attitudes towards CAM.
- Demographic variables, beyond age, did not show significant predictive power in this study.
Conclusions:
- Patient beliefs in natural remedies and active participation in healing are important factors in CAM engagement.
- Healthcare strategies should consider patients' value systems and desire for involvement in their treatment.
- Further research can explore the nuances of postmodern values in relation to specific CAM modalities.