Document Detail


Complementary and alternative medicine - representations in popular magazines.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20877774     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Process    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: More than half the patients who use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Australia do not discuss it with their doctors. Many consumers use popular media, especially women's magazines, to learn about CAM.
AIM: To explore representations of CAM in popular Australian women's magazines.
METHODS: Content analysis of three Australian magazines: Australian Women's Weekly, Dolly and New Idea published from January to June 2008.
RESULTS: Of 220 references to CAM (4-17 references per issue), most were to biologically based practices, particularly 'functional foods', which enhance health. Most representations of CAM were positive (81.3% positive, 16.4% neutral, 2.3% negative). Explanations of modes of action of CAM tended to be biological but relatively superficial.
DISCUSSION: Australian magazines cast CAM as safe therapy which enhances patient engagement in healthcare, and works in ways analogous to orthodox medical treatments. General practitioners can use discussions with their patients about CAM to encourage health promoting practices.
Authors:
Alexandra Dunne; Christine Phillips
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Australian family physician     Volume:  39     ISSN:  0300-8495     ISO Abbreviation:  Aust Fam Physician     Publication Date:  2010 Sep 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-09-29     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0326701     Medline TA:  Aust Fam Physician     Country:  Australia    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  671-4     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. u2555403@anu.edu.au
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Comment In:
Aust Fam Physician. 2010 Oct;39(10):715   [PMID:  20931746 ]

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