Alternative health care consultations in Ontario, Canada: A geographic and socio-demographic analysis
2011

Analysis of Alternative Health Care Consultations in Ontario

Sample size: 32598 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Williams Allison M, Kitchen Peter, Eby Jeanette

Primary Institution: McMaster University

Hypothesis

What are the geographic and socio-demographic characteristics of alternative health care consultations in Ontario?

Conclusion

Geography does not significantly influence alternative health care consultations in Ontario, but socio-demographic factors such as age, sex, education, and self-perceived health needs do.

Supporting Evidence

  • More than 1.2 million adults in Ontario consulted an alternative health care provider in 2005.
  • Women made up 65% of all consultations.
  • People with chronic conditions were more likely to seek alternative care.

Takeaway

This study looked at how many people in Ontario see alternative health care providers and found that where you live doesn't matter as much as who you are.

Methodology

Data was analyzed from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey using descriptive statistics, mapping, and logistic regression.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reporting and the exclusion of certain alternative care types due to small sample sizes.

Limitations

The study relies on self-reported data, which may introduce bias.

Participant Demographics

Participants were adults aged 18 and over, with a majority being women and urban residents.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6882-11-47

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