Positive Health Online

Abstract

LONROTH and EKHOLM, Videns- og Forskningscenter for Alternativ Behandling (ViFAB), Arhus, Denmark, have surveyed the use of CAM therapies in Denmark and the motivations of users.

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Denmark, possible associations between the use of CAM and various socio-economic variables, and motives for the use of CAM.

Methodology

Data were derived from the Danish Health and Morbidity Survey, 2003. The sample consisted of 4,000 Danish citizens aged 18 years or older, of whom 2,593 (65%) completed the interviews. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between the use of CAM and various socio-economic variables.

Results

40.2% of those interviewed had used CAM and 20.1% had used CAM within the last year. Reflexology (22.7%), massage/osteopathy/other manipulative techniques (16.5%) and acupuncture (16.2%) were the most frequently used. The use of CAM was more common among women than men, among people aged 30-66 years and among people with 13-14 years of education. There was no association between marital status and CAM. 39% of CAM users stated that CAM is a supplement to the treatment received in the conventional Danish health care system. CAM was used mainly to treat mild symptoms/diseases (39%) and as prevention or for increased wellbeing (22%). More women than men stated that they wished to take an active part in their own treatment (30% versus 14%) and cited the unwanted side effects of conventional medicine (16% versus 7%) as a motive for using CAM.

Conclusion

This study shows that the use of CAM is not a new phenomenon but the continuation of a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.

References

Lonroth HL, Ekholm O. Alternative therapies in Denmark - use, users and motives for the use. Ugeskrift for Laeger 168 (7): 682-686, Feb 13, 2006.