Development and initial validation of a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) knowledge instrument.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Many patients with cancer use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies without essential knowledge to inform their decisions. A CAM knowledge instrument was developed and tested for initial validation.

METHODS

There were 20 items developed and refined via cognitive interviewing. The instrument was mailed to 800 breast cancer survivors, and mailed again 2 weeks later to assess test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed 13 items forming a unidimensional scale. A 2-factor solution was also plausible. One factor consisted of 7 items on knowledge about specific features of CAM, and a second 6-item factor on knowledge of regulatory issues.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on factor-analytic validity considerations, the 13-item instrument can be used, or the 2 subscales can be used if a more detailed examination of knowledge is desired.