The general aim of this article was to examine individual experiences of choosing and using CAM. Moreover, it was also to answer questions about why people choose treatments outside conventional medicine and or/public health care, how choices are carried out in practice, how use of CAM is experienced compared to conventional treatments, and how use develop over time.
Significance for public health
Recent studies indicate increased use of complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM), both in general western populations and specific patient
groups. Well-documented motives for choosing CAM are related to disappointment
and failure of conventional health care. In addition, there are
findings that demonstrate that certain basic values (such as individualism
and holistic orientations) are related to the use of CAM. A better understanding
of individual motives behind people’s choice of CAM, and how this is
related to their perception of the health care system, is important for policy
makers and health care professionals alike. This study contributes to a qualitative
understanding of experiences of choosing and using CAM and how
motives may change over time. It also contributes with knowledge on how
users combine CAM with conventional health care and deal with risks.
individualism
and holistic
orientations