Use of alternative health care practitioners by Canadians.

Abstract

This study focuses on the use of alternative health care practitioners by Canadians aged 15 and over using data from the 1994-95 National Population Health Survey. A total of 17,626 respondents were selected. Consultation with an alternative health care provider or with a chiropractor was deemed to be an indicator of the use of alternative health care. In 1994-95, an estimated 15% of Canadians aged 15 and over (3.3 million people) used some form of alternative health care in the year preceding the survey. Use of alternative health care was most prevalent among women, persons aged 45-64 and among higher income groups. The use of alternative health care was associated with the number of diagnosed chronic illnesses. Among persons free of chronic diseases, 9% consulted alternative health care providers compared with 26% of those with three or more chronic conditions. Since the population is aging, the proportion with multiple chronic illness will also increase, with consequent demand for services from alternative health practitioners. The inclusion of any alternative practitioner services under existing health care plans could result in higher health care costs.