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Research: ERNST and WHITE,
Listed in Issue 65
Abstract
ERNST and WHITE, Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, UK aimed to provide data on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by the general population in the UK .
Background
Recent data about the use of CAM by the general population exist for Australia and the USA but not the UK.
Methodology
1,204 British adults were interviewed in a nationally representative random telephone survey.
Results
20% had used CAM in the previous year. The most popular therapies were herbalism, aromatherapy, homeopathy, acupuncture/acupressure, massage and reflexology . The main reasons for trying CAM were: its perceived effectiveness, a positive inclination towards it, and its relaxing effects. Users spent an average of £13.62 per month on CAM, which extrapolates to an annual expenditure of £1.6 billion for the whole nation.
Conclusion
Complementary and Alternative Medicine is prevalent in the UK. Its scientific validation has therefore become an ethical imperative.
References
Ernst E, White A. The BBC survey of complementary medicine use in the UK. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 8 (1): 32-6. Mar 2000.
