Development and evaluation of the R-I-CAM-Q as a brief summative measure of CAM utilisation.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates a revised version of the I-CAM-Q, the R-I-CAM-Q, which is a shorter scale, and suitable for use as a brief, summative measure of CAM utilisation. DESIGN: Online survey with an Australian sample (n=2697). ANALYSIS: The psychometric properties of the I-CAM-Q were analysed using Mokken Scaling Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling. RESULTS: A subset of items were identified as having an adequate uni-dimensional structure that can be aggregated to yield a scalar measure of CAM utilisation. Certain items, including prayer for health purposes, and chiropractic, were not indicative of general CAM use. CONCLUSIONS: The R-I-CAM-Q provides a unitary, aggregate measure of CAM utilisation that provides scope for replicable research into the determinants of CAM use. It is the first quantitative and summative measure of general CAM use, developed and tested using modern psychometric methods.