Postmodern values, attitudes and the use of complementary medicine

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the relationship between postmodern values, demographic variables and people's attitudes towards and use of acupuncture, aromatherapy and naturopathy. Design: One hundred and seventy-one adults completed a survey measuring postmodern values about health, attitudes towards and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), age, gender, education, and current and recent health. Setting: Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. Main outcome measures: Attitudes to CAM and use of CAM. Results: Postmodern values significantly predicted attitudes to CAM and actual use of CAM. Age also significantly predicted attitudes to CAM. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of patients' belief in natural remedies and in their active involvement in the healing process.