Attitudes and beliefs towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM): A cross-cultural approach comparing Singapore and the United Kingdom

SummaryThis study examined Eastern (Singapore) and Western (United Kingdom) attitudes and beliefs towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and towards orthodox medicine (OM). In all 60 individuals from Singapore and 50 from the United Kingdom (total n = 110) filled in an 8-page questionnaire. UK participants were more willing to use various forms of CAM, and had a generally more optimistic view of the usefulness and efficacy of CAM. Singaporeans were more in favour of OM, prescription drugs, and general practitioners (GPs). Explanations for this observation include the differences in availability and accessibility of CAM in each country, as well as the medical models that are valued and supported in each culture.