Changes in public awareness of, attitudes to, and use of complementary therapy in North East Scotland: surveys in 1993 and 1999

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Abstract

Objective: To assess changes in awareness of, use of, attitudes to, and opinions about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) amongst residents of North East Scotland and to obtain details about CAM use from respondents. Study design: Population survey carried out in 1999, 6 years after the initial study. Postal survey to 800 people to examine eight CAMs; acupuncture, aromatherapy, chiropractic, herbalism, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, osteopathy, and reflexology. Results: A total of 432/800 (54%) responded, of whom 175 (41%) had used at least one type of CAM compared to 29% in 1993. Increases in use were statistically significant for aromatherapy (18% versus 9%), acupuncture (10% versus 6%) and reflexology (9% versus 3%). A greater proportion of 1999 respondents thought CAM should be available on the NHS but a smaller proportion of respondents had concerns about using CAM (25% in 1993 and 20% in 1999). Overall concerns about effectiveness of therapies had increased from 36 to 45%, but fewer individuals were concerned about the cost of therapy in the 1999 survey (52% in 1993 to 22% in 1999).

A total of 175 individuals provided details about one CAM they had used. The self-reported primary reasons for using CAM were relief of pain due to headaches or musculoskeletal problems, and for relaxation and relief of stress. The majority of CAM was therapist administered (103/166) as opposed to a bought product. Effectiveness ratings were self-reported but overall 80/166 found CAM very effective and 62/166 partially effective. A total of 65% had consulted their GP about their health problem before using CAM, 59/157 indicated their GP knew they were using CAM and of these, 14 indicated their GP was administering the therapy.

Conclusions: The study has provided further baseline data on which to assess trends in CAM use and highlighted issues for patients and the NHS about the use of CAM to relieve health problems. Results indicate a greater proportion of the population of North East Scotland are both aware of and using CAM to relieve health problems. More research into the implications for the NHS of concurrent use of CAM with conventional medicine is required.

Section snippets

INTRODUCTION

Awareness of, attitudes towards and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) amongst the general public was initially investigated in the North East Scotland in 19931 in a population based survey. In response to growing local interest in CAM, its aim was to quantify the level of demand for eight therapies: acupuncture, aromatherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, reflexology, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, and herbalism and to establish the factors which might influence this demand. Since then

METHODS

A self-completion questionnaire was developed based on questions used and validated in the 1993 survey.1 Some minor changes were made to the questions to improve clarity but the core questions on awareness of different CAM, whether or not people would consider using the CAM, concerns about using CAM, opinions on NHS availability, the need for a register of approved therapists and opinions about paying towards the cost of NHS therapy remained the same. Respondents to the 1993 survey had been

RESULTS

Four hundred and thirty two (54%) responses were obtained.

DISCUSSION

Little research has been undertaken examining changes in CAM use over time. Whilst one such study is available from the US,4 this research provides the first empirical evidence of changes in CAM use over time from a UK perspective.

This study does have a number of limitations, however, which may affect the interpretation of the results. Whilst the sampling frames used in the two surveys were similar, in that they were drawn from the same population base, we accept that there may be some

Maggie J. Emslie MSc, Grampian Local Health Council, Westburn House, Foresterhill, Westburn Road, AB25 2XG Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. Tel.: +44 1224 559444; Fax: +44 1224 552754

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Maggie J. Emslie MSc, Grampian Local Health Council, Westburn House, Foresterhill, Westburn Road, AB25 2XG Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. Tel.: +44 1224 559444; Fax: +44 1224 552754

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