Developing a measure of treatment beliefs: The complementary and alternative medicine beliefs inventory

Objectives: The study aimed to develop a comprehensive generic measure of treatment beliefs, the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs Inventory (CAMBI), and to identify distinct dimensions of CAM-related beliefs. Methods: The CAMBI and other measures were presented and advertised online. Results: 328 completed questionnaires were received. Factor analysis indicated three dimensions of beliefs could be identified. Subscales of the CAMBI were developed measuring beliefs in natural treatment, participation in treatment and holistic health. The subscales all had satisfactory reliability and were significantly correlated with CAM use (Spearman's rho = .18, .47 and .22 for natural treatments, holistic health and participation in treatment, respectively). Conclusions: The CAMBI measures three distinct dimensions of treatment beliefs, all of which are related to CAM use. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.