Complementary medicine use in the Australian population: Results of a nationally-representative cross-sectional survey

Amie Steel,Jon Adams,David Sibbritt,Hope Foley,Erica Mcintyre,Joanna Harnett,Jon Wardle,Jane Frawley

doi:10.1038/s41598-018-35508-y

Abstract

In order to describe the prevalence and characteristics of complementary medicine (CM) practice and product use by Australians, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey with Australian adults aged 18 and over. Rates of consultation with CM practitioners, and use of CM products and practices were assessed. The sample (n = 2,019) was broadly representative of the Australian population. Prevalence of any CM use was 63.1%, with 36% consulting a CM practitioner and 52.8% using any CM product or practice. Bodywork therapists were the most commonly consulted CM practitioners (massage therapists 20.7%, chiropractors 12.6%, yoga teachers 8.9%) and homeopaths were the least commonly consulted (3.4%). Almost half of respondents (47.8%) used vitamin/mineral supplements, while relaxation techniques/meditation were the most common practice (15.8%). CM users were more likely to be female, have a chronic disease diagnosis, no private health insurance, a higher education level, and not be looking for work. Prevalence of CM use in Australia has remained consistently high, demonstrating that CM is an established part of contemporary health management practices within the general population. It is critical that health policy makers and health care providers acknowledge CM in their attempts to ensure optimal public health and patient outcomes.

Highlights

The use of complementary medicine (CM), defined as products and practices outside of the dominant medical paradigm[1], is popular in many parts of the world[2] and is recognised as a significant public health issue by the World Health Organisation[3]
As the understanding of CM has evolved since this previous research, there is a need for contemporary data describing CM use to inform current and future health policy and practice in Australia
It is important to examine the amount of CM currently used in the community, along with the characteristics and drivers of this use, to ensure that appropriate public health policy can be developed to address any risks to the public associated with its use, and any benefits can be incorporated into health service delivery

Summary

Introduction

The use of complementary medicine (CM), defined as products and practices outside of the dominant medical paradigm[1], is popular in many parts of the world[2] and is recognised as a significant public health issue by the World Health Organisation[3]. It is important to examine the amount of CM currently used in the community, along with the characteristics and drivers of this use, to ensure that appropriate public health policy can be developed to address any risks to the public associated with its use, and any benefits can be incorporated into health service delivery. This will help to facilitate open discussions with patients about CM use that encourage disclosure and optimise patient care and safety. CM practice and product use by Australians, and determine the predictors of CM use, using reliable and reproducible instruments and methodology

Objectives

Results

Conclusion