Background: Research has long suggested that a large and possibly growing number of people use complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). However, in many countries, such as Sweden, national and regional research on CAM use is still very limited. Existing prevalence studies are few and characterized by low comparability. This study aims to contribute towards addressing this knowledge gap.

Methods: A web-based survey measured the use of and attitude towards CAM and conventional medicine in the southernmost Swedish province of Scania, while taking part in the development of a measurement tool for the standardized study of CAM use within the European Union (EU; I-CAM-Q).

Results: 71% of the respondents (n = 1,534) reported having used some form of CAM in the past year. CAM consumption here includes visits to CAM providers, use of natural remedies, and use of self-help methods. Reported use was more common among women, younger age groups, and people with tertiary education. 69% of the respondents stated that collaboration between conventional medicine and complementary medicine should increase. The survey's response rate was 31%.

Conclusions: The study confirms that CAM forms a considerable part of the health care offered to and used by the population. In the face of the existing lack of national and regional data on CAM usage, it affirms the importance of furthered investigation of CAM consumption, policy, practice, regulation, and education.