Changes in Attitudes of Japanese Doctors toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Author Information
Author(s): Kenji Fujiwara, Jiro Imanishi, Satoko Watanabe, Kotaro Ozasa, Kumi Sakurada
Primary Institution: Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
Hypothesis
The attitudes of Japanese medical doctors toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) have changed over the last six years.
Conclusion
The numbers of doctors who practice CAM therapies, possess CAM knowledge, and desire to practice such therapies have increased over the last six years in Japan.
Supporting Evidence
- Doctors familiar with the term 'CAM' increased from 45% in 1999 to 82% in 2005.
- Doctors practicing CAM therapies increased from 73% in 1999 to 78% in 2005.
- 58% of doctors expressed a desire to practice CAM therapies in the near future.
Takeaway
Doctors in Japan are starting to like and want to use alternative medicine more than before.
Methodology
The study surveyed attitudes using structured, self-administered questionnaires sent to randomly selected doctors from the Kyoto Medical Association in 1999 and 2005.
Limitations
The study only included doctors from the Kyoto Medical Association, which may not represent all Japanese doctors.
Participant Demographics
The respondents included primary care doctors and hospital doctors, with a median age in the 50s and a gender ratio of approximately 15% female to 85% male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
2.62 × 10−25
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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