Safety and use of complementary and alternative medicine in Norway during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic using an adapted version of the I-CAM-Q; a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has had a profound impact on physical and mental well-being throughout the world. Previous studies have revealed that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used for, and can be potential benefcial for strengthening physical mental resilience. The aims of this study were therefore to determine the prevalence and reasons for use of CAM during the frst wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among a representative sample of the Norwegian population, and further determine self-reported efects and adverse efects of the CAM modalities used.<p> <p>Methods: Computer assisted telephone interviews using a COVID-adapted I-CAM-Q questionnaire were conducted with 1008 randomly selected Norwegians aged 16 and above using multistage sampling during April and May 2020 applying age and sex quotas for each area. Frequencies, Pearson’s chi-square tests, Fisher exact tests, and independent sample t-test were used to identify the users of CAM, what they used, why they used it and whether they experienced efect and/or adverse efects of the modalities used, and further to describe diferences in sociodemographic factors associated with CAM use. Cronbach’s alpha tests were used to test for internal consistency in the diferent groups of CAM. Signifcance level was set to p< 0.05. <p>Results: The study revealed that two thirds of the respondents (67%) had used CAM within the frst 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular CAM modalities that did not involve a provider. Most used were natural remedies and dietary supplement (57%, mainly vitamins and minerals), but self-help practices like yoga and meditation were also widely used (24%). Women used CAM modalities signifcantly more than men (77% vs. 58%). Most of the respondents found the modalities they used benefcial, and few reported adverse efects of the treatments. <p>Conclusions: A large proportion of the Norwegian population used CAM during the frst wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with high satisfaction and few reported adverse efects. CAM was rarely used to prevent or treat COVID-19, but rather to treat a long-term health condition, and to improve well-being.