Changes in Reasons for Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Author Information
Author(s): Fuschia M. Sirois
Primary Institution: University of Windsor
Hypothesis
The study aims to compare the motivations for consulting CAM practitioners between consumers from 1997–8 and 2005.
Conclusion
Consumers in 2005 were more likely to endorse five of the six motivations for consulting CAM practitioners compared to those in 1997–8.
Supporting Evidence
- In 2005, 91.8% of consumers believed CAM allowed them to take a more active role in their health compared to 51.8% in 1997–8.
- 67.2% of 2005 consumers found conventional medicine ineffective for their health problems, up from 41.8% in 1997–8.
- 55.7% of 2005 consumers reported unpleasant side effects from conventional medicine, compared to 9.2% in 1997–8.
- 92.4% of 2005 consumers valued the emphasis on treating the whole person in CAM, compared to 36.9% in 1997–8.
- 63.9% of 2005 consumers were desperate to solve their health problems and willing to try anything, compared to 9.9% in 1997–8.
Takeaway
People's reasons for using alternative medicine have changed over time, with more focus on the positive benefits rather than the negatives of regular medicine.
Methodology
Surveys were conducted in CAM and conventional medicine offices in Ontario, Canada, with self-selected participants returning the surveys by mail.
Potential Biases
Self-selection of participants may introduce bias, as they were obtained from waiting rooms of clinics.
Limitations
The response options for the CAM reasons surveyed across the two time points were not identical, which may have impacted the endorsement patterns.
Participant Demographics
The 1997–8 sample had a higher level of education than the 2005 sample, with both groups being similar in age, gender, and ethnicity.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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