Demographics, health literacy and health locus of control beliefs of Australian women who take complementary medicine products during pregnancy and breastfeeding: A cross-sectional, online, national survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pregnant and breastfeeding women's use of complementary medicine products (CMPs) is common, and possibly associated with autonomous health care behaviours. However, the health literacy levels and health locus of control (HLOC) beliefs of women who use CMPs in pregnancy and lactation have not been previously assessed in a large Australian sample.

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine the health literacy levels and HLOC beliefs of women who use CMPs in pregnancy and lactation and determine the types of CMPs used.

Methods

A cross-sectional, national, online survey of Australian pregnant or breastfeeding women aged 18 years and older, and currently using CMPs was conducted.

Results

A total of 810 completed surveys (354 pregnant and 456 breastfeeding

SUBMITTER: Barnes LAJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8957740 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature