Table 5 The “push” and “pull” factors for using CAM in 185 patients

Push Factors

 Inadequacies of CM

128

69.2

3.39

 High cost of CM

40

21.6

3.03

 Adverse effects and the toxic or damaging nature of CM

55

29.7

3.36

 Disappointment with CM

23

12.4

2.42

 Mechanistic nature of CM

6

3.2

1.29

Pull Factors

 CAM promotes general health and wellness

147

79.5

2.97

 CAM specifically assists in fighting illness

146

78.9

3.00

 CAM is helpful

137

74.1

3.22

 Trying everything that can help

131

70.8

3.34

 CAM improves physical well-being

117

63.2

3.55

 CAM allows a user to relax and sleep

88

47.6

3.67

 CAM directly treats complications

41

22.2

3.06

 CAM improves psychological and emotional well-being

14

7.6

1.95

 CAM gives users control of their treatment and faith

8

4.3

1.49

 CAM is more in keeping with inner beliefs

7

3.8

1.41