Association between belief and attitude toward preference of complementary alternative medicine use

Abstract

BackgroundThere is a steep increase in the consumer use of complementary alternative medicine (CAM), with many users unaware of the need to inform their health care providers. Various predictors including psychosocial factors such as beliefs and behavior have been accounted for preference toward CAM use, with varying results.MethodsThis study investigates the belief and attitude regarding preference toward CAM use among the Malaysian population by using a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study.ResultsA large majority of the 1,009 respondents admitted to taking at least one type of CAM (n=730, 72.3%). Only 20 (1.9%) respondents were found to have negative beliefs (total score <35), 4 (0.4%) respondents had neutral beliefs (total score =35), and 985 (97.6%) respondents had positive belief toward CAM (total score >36). A total of 507 (50.2%) respondents were categorized as having a negative CAM attitude, while 502 (49.8%) respondents were categorized as having a positive CAM attitude. It was demonstrated that there was a positive correlation between belief and attitude score (ρ=0.409, P<0.001). Therefore, the higher the belief in CAM, the more positive the attitude was toward CAM. Those who were using CAM showed a stronger belief (P=0.002), with a more positive attitude (P<0.001) toward it, than those who were not using CAM.ConclusionIdentifying belief regarding preference toward CAM use among the public could potentially reveal those with a higher tendency to use CAM. This is important as not everyone feels the need to reveal the use of CAM to their health care providers, which could lead to serious repercussions such as interactions and adverse effects.

<p>Preference, Perception And Predictors Of Herbal Medicine Use Among Malay Women In Malaysia</p>

“…Approximately 70% of the world’s population from developing countries prefer herbal medicinal products as a primary source of healthcare 1,2. Herbal medicinal products are medicinal products that consist of a plant, or a concoction of various plants, often used due to its believed beneficial effect,3,4 and are a popular source for disease management and prevention.…”

Physicians&rsquo; attitude, belief and practice of complementary alternative medication use

“…Complementary alternative medication use is indeed on a rising trend as a safer alternative to the conventional medicine either to prevent or to treat health concerns 1. The authors addressed very well toward the patients’ perspective; hence, we feel to add a few points from a physicians’ point of view and the need to sync conventional and complementary medications for further improvised patient care.…”

An insight into more factors affecting adherence to medications in the elderly

“…As part of a society where “quacks”, alternative/herbal medicine, and faith “healers” are quite popular, this has an impact on patient approaches to medication. 2 Therefore, we would like to carry forward the discussion from this perspective with a broader viewpoint adjoining some factors other than patient beliefs that influence their attitude toward medication. A study was conducted in Malaysia that concluded that more than 40% people showed positive attitudes toward complementary and alternative medication (CAM).…”

“…A study was conducted in Malaysia that concluded that more than 40% people showed positive attitudes toward complementary and alternative medication (CAM). 2 Conventional medications prescribed for chronic illnesses often cause unwanted side effects. On the other hand, CAM has substantially fewer unwanted effects, and these outcomes make the elder patients opt for it instead of physician-prescribed drugs.…”

“…Concealment of CAM is a general trend within an elderly population, which further makes it difficult for doctors to realize that the patient has switched treatment. 2 …”