Attitudes towards homoeopathy in particular and beliefs about complementary medicines in general

Abstract

Over 400 participants completed a three-part questionnaire. In the first part, participants rated 39 different complementary medicine treatments listed alphabetically (acupuncture to yoga) which were rated on four dimensions (heard of it, know how it works, ever tried it, and perceived efficacy). In the second part, they rated 38 attitudinal statements specifically toward homoeopathy. On the third part of the questionnaire participants gave personal details as well as aspects of their medical history. There were wide differences in beliefs of the efficacy of different therapies, with acupuncture, chiropractice, massage, meditation, relaxation therapy and yoga receiving highest efficacy scores and crystal/gem therapy and ozone therapy the lowest. The 39 therapies factored into four clear factors accounting for over half the variance. While the attitude factors about homoeopathy factored into three clear interpretable factors, the attitude statements showed participants moderately well disposed to homoeopathy. The total number of different complementary therapies tried was the best predictor of attitudes towards homoeopathy. Results are discussed in terms of the beliefs of clients of complementary medicine.