Prevalence, Knowledge, and Attitudes Toward Complementary and Integrative Health in Occupational Therapy

The use of complementary health approaches and integrative health (CHAIH) is increasing in the United States, yet its role within occupational therapy (OT) remains underexplored. This study examined the prevalence of CHAIH use among OT practitioners, identified commonly used therapies, and explored practitioners’ perceptions. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via email by NBCOT to over 132,900 registered OT practitioners; 4,420 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and difference between proportions. Most respondents reported using CHAIH, with deep breathing, sensory techniques, and yoga being most common. Practitioners who incorporated CHAIH reported significantly ( p < .001) greater self-rated knowledge and more positive attitudes compared with those who did not. However, fewer than 18% rated themselves as “very” or “extremely” knowledgeable. Findings highlight a gap between practice and knowledge, suggesting a need for future research to guide evidence-based integration of CHAIH in OT practice.