Self-rated Satisfaction Research Articles

Changes over Time in Population Level Transport Satisfaction and Mode of Travel: A Repeat Cross-Sectional Study over a 13 Year Period, UK

Background Understanding transport satisfaction can inform national and local policy aimed at providing a sustainable transport infrastructure, which can have important national and international benefits for both health and the environment. The aim of the study was to examine changes over time in satisfaction with usual transport mode, explore individual and area level characteristics as mediators in the likelihood of transport satisfaction, and whether any changes in transport satisfaction varied by these factors over time. Methods Adults from West Central Scotland, United Kingdom, who participated at both waves of the repeat cross-sectional ‘Transport, Health and Well-being Study’ conducted in 1997 (n=2735) and 2010 (n=2024) were assessed. Individuals completed a detailed postal questionnaire at both time points including self-rated satisfaction with usual transport mode (using a seven point scale subsequently dichotomised to a binary outcome of satisfied (1-2) and other (3-7)). Participants reported usual transport mode for travel to the following various destinations or events: day out, evening out, health appointment, sports facility, visiting friends/family, taking children to school, supermarket, and work/education . A multilevel logistic regression model was used and individuals were nested within areas (c.4,000 population). The dependent (outcome variable) was transport satisfaction (binary yes/no) and the independent covariates were travel mode, age, sex, health status, access to car, urban/rural classification, and socio-economic status. Results At the 2010 sweep, two thirds (n=1345) of individuals were satisfied with their transport choice. Those with fair/poor health were less satisfied with their usual transport compared to those in better health (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.49, p Conclusions The proportion of those who travelled using public transport, active modes or by multiple mode increased journey satisfaction over time at a greater rate than those travelled by car, highlighting that continued efforts should be made to promote these more active transport modes which have potential to impact on health.

Comparing oncoplastic breast conserving surgery with mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction: Case-matched patient reported outcomes

Oncoplastic breast conserving surgery (OBCS) allows women who may otherwise have mastectomy and immediate reconstruction (MxIR) the choice to conserve their breast yet avoid deformity. We compared the outcome of these options. Two cohorts meeting study criteria were identified from prospectively audited series of women undergoing OBCS or MxIR. After case matching for age, tumour size and date of surgery, stratification by breast size and controlling for radiotherapy; body image scale (BIS) scores of psychosocial function and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for breast appearance and return to function were analysed. A total of 567 women (286 treated by OBCS and 281 by MxIR) fulfilled inclusion criteria. Demographics were similar between the two unmatched cohorts, except for radiotherapy, age and tumour size (all p<0.001). Overall, BIS score (p=0.002), self-rated breast appearance, return to work and function (all p<0.001) significantly favoured OBCS. Case-matched women with larger breasts treated by OBCS reported better BIS scores (mean 3.30 vs. 5.37, p=0.011) and self-rated breast appearance score (p<0.001) than MxIR, whereas no significant difference was observed for smaller breasts. BIS and appearance favoured OBCS, regardless of whether radiotherapy would have been avoided if treated by MxIR. OBCS offers suitable women the option to avoid MxIR while providing faster recovery. Better psychosocial and self-rated satisfaction with breast appearance is achieved for OBCS in all groups, regardless of the need for radiotherapy, apart from those women with smaller breasts for whom the results are comparable.

Changes over time in population level transport satisfaction and mode of travel: A 13 year repeat cross-sectional study, UK.

AimThe aim of the study was to examine changes over time in satisfaction with usual transport mode, explore individual and area level characteristics as mediators in the likelihood of transport satisfaction, and whether any changes in transport satisfaction varied by these factors over time.MethodsAdults from West Central Scotland, United Kingdom, who participated at both waves of the repeat cross-sectional ‘Transport, Health and Well-being Study’ conducted in 1997 (n=2735) and 2010 (n=2024) were assessed. Individuals completed a detailed postal questionnaire at both time points including self-rated satisfaction with usual transport mode (using a seven point scale subsequently dichotomised to a binary outcome of satisfied (1–2) and other (3–7)). Participants reported usual transport mode for travel to various destinations. A multilevel logistic regression model was used and individuals were nested within areas (c. 4000 population).ResultsAt the 2010 sweep, two thirds (n=1345) of individuals were satisfied with their transport choice. Those with fair/poor health were less satisfied with their usual transport compared to those in better health (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.49, p<0.001). Access to a car was associated with overall transport satisfaction (OR 2.63, p<0.001) and the effect of deprivation on transport satisfaction was mitigated when adjusted by household car access. Transport satisfaction increased more from 1997 to 2010 for retired individuals compared to those in employment (OR 1.40, p=0.032), and for those who travelled by public transport (OR 2.39, p=0.005) and using multiple modes (OR 2.19, p<0.001) compared to those who travelled by car.ConclusionsThe proportion of those who travelled using public transport, active modes or by multiple mode increased journey satisfaction over time at a greater rate than those who travelled by car, highlighting that continued efforts should be made to promote these more active transport modes which have potential to impact on health.

Impact of Gender on Satisfaction and Confidence in Cholesterol Control Among Veterans at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease.

Compared with men, women have poorer lipid control. Although potential causes of this disparity have been explored, it is unknown whether patient-centered factors such as satisfaction and confidence contribute. We evaluated (1) whether satisfaction with lipid control and confidence in ability to improve it vary by gender and (2) whether sociodemographic characteristics modify the association. We evaluated baseline survey responses from the Cardiovascular Intervention Improvement Telemedicine Study, including self-rated satisfaction with cholesterol levels and confidence in controlling cholesterol. Participants had poorly controlled hypertension and/or hypercholesterolemia. A total of 428 veterans (15% women) participated. Compared with men, women had higher low-density lipoprotein values at 141.2 versus 121.7 mg/dL, respectively (p < 0.05), higher health literacy, and were less likely to have someone to help track their medications (all p < 0.05). In an adjusted model, women were less satisfied with their cholesterol levels than men with estimated mean scores of 4.3 versus 5.6 on a 1-10 Likert scale (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in confidence by gender. Participants with support for tracking medications reported higher confidence levels than those without, estimated mean 7.8 versus 7.2 (p < 0.05). Women veterans at high risk for cardiovascular disease were less satisfied with their lipid control than men; however, confidence in ability to improve lipid levels was similar. Veterans without someone to help to track medications were less confident, and women were less likely to have this type of social support. Lack of social support for medication tracking may be a factor in lingering gender-based disparities in hyperlipidemia.

Tablet technology and occupational performance for older adults

Background For the older adult, there is little evidence supporting the use of specific mobile devices, such as tablets, and the effect on daily occupational performance. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in participation and satisfaction of older adult participants’ self-identified occupational performance problems after an 8-week educational tablet training program. Methods Participants (n=8) were members of an older adult healthcare day center and were at least 60 years of age, had little to no prior exposure to mobile computing technology usage, demonstrated functional motor and visual skills for tablet usage, and scored at least 25 on the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE). Each participant was issued an iPad Mini ® computer tablet, keyboard, case, and stand to use full-time during the educational sessions, open labs, and within their home and community environments. The program consisted of twice weekly participation in both 1 hour educational sessions and 1 hour open laboratory sessions. Results In regards to self-rated performance, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a p=0.0196 (p<0.05), while self-rated satisfaction revealed p=0.0039 (p<0.01). Through structured interviews, participants revealed satisfaction with the program and the personal development of their skills, which was achieved through the encouragement of self-exploration of apps. Conclusion There is moderate evidence of self-perceived performance increase after intervention, and strong evidence of self-perceived satisfaction increase after intervention. Self-identified occupational problem areas gave the participants clear goals for how to implement device usage and applications (apps) to best assist themselves. Participants who are actively engaged in a structured group with one-on-one support may be more likely to carryover skills into their environments and daily routines to promote performance and satisfaction in occupational performance.

Domestic work division and satisfaction in cohabiting adults: Associations with life satisfaction and self-rated health

Background: The amount and perception of domestic work may affect satisfaction with everyday life, but further knowledge is needed about the relationship between domestic work division and health and well-being.Aim: To describe the division of, and satisfaction with, domestic work and responsibility for home/family in adults living with a partner. A further aim was to investigate the associations between these aspects and self-rated life satisfaction and health.Method: Data from the Work, Lipids and Fibrinogen survey collected 2009 were used, comprising 4924 participants living with a partner. Data were analyzed using logistic regression.Results: The majority shared domestic work and responsibility for home/family equally with their partner. However, more women conducted the majority of the domestic work and were less satisfied with its division. When both division and satisfaction with division was included in the analysis, solely satisfaction with the division and the responsibility were associated with higher odds for good life satisfaction. Regarding health, higher odds for good self-rated health were seen in those who were satisfied with their division of responsibility.Conclusion and significance: The results highlight the importance of taking into account not solely the actual division of domestic work but also the satisfaction with it.

Does being empathic pay off?-Associations between performance-based measures of empathy and social adjustment in younger and older women.

Cognitive empathy (the ability to infer another person's thoughts and feelings) and emotional empathy (the ability to emotionally resonate with another person's feelings) have been associated with social adjustment. Traditionally, these skills are assessed with self-report measures. However, these may not adequately reflect people's actual empathic abilities. There is only little and inconsistent empirical evidence on associations between performance-based empathy and positive social adjustment. In the study presented here, we gathered further evidence for such an association. Using a realistic interaction task in which unfamiliar women were paired into dyads and talked about positive and negative events in their lives, we assessed empathic accuracy (an indicator of cognitive empathy) and emotional congruence (an indicator of emotional empathy). Additionally, we obtained 2 indicators of social adjustment: participants' self-rated satisfaction regarding the communication with their partner in the interaction task, and their self-rated satisfaction with social relationships in general. We furthermore explored the role of potential moderators, which may help to explain discrepant past findings. To test for contextual and interindividual differences, we distinguished between positive and negative emotional valence in the empathy task and investigated 2 adult age groups (102 younger women: 20-31 years; 106 older: 69-80 years). For almost all analyses, only empathic skills for positive (not for negative) affect were predictive of social adjustment, and the associations were comparable for younger and older women. These results underline the role of valence in associations between empathic skills and social adjustment across the life span. (PsycINFO Database Record

Impact of Income Inequality on Workers’ Life Satisfaction in the U.S.: A Multilevel Analysis

Over the last two decades, the issue of income inequality has taken center stage in discussions of the economy and how workers’ perceptions of their relative pay affect their overall life satisfaction. Using National Study of Changing Workforce data from 1997 to 2008, this study examined how income inequality affects workers’ life satisfaction in the U.S. Income inequality was measured by calculating each state’s Gini coefficient, a representative inequality index. Results from analysis of multilevel ordered logit models suggest a significant association between income inequality and workers’ self-rated life satisfaction. As income inequality in the U.S. grew dramatically between 1997 and 2008, workers’ self-reported life satisfaction decreased by 33.8 %. Interestingly, this negative impact of income inequality is significant for men, but not for women when analyzed separately. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Patients' satisfaction with community treatment: a pilot cross-sectional survey adopting multiple perspectives.

Patients' satisfaction is scarcely studied within the context of community treatment for adolescents. Thus, this study adopts a multiple perspective on patients' satisfaction (including service users as well as staff members). The results highlighted that all informants (patients, foster carers in foster homes and professional caregivers from community treatment teams) perceived the patients to be satisfied, with foster carers reporting the highest patient satisfaction rate. Considering the patient satisfaction rate from multiple perspectives provides complementary understandings. Clinical outcomes and, specifically, a reduction in emotional difficulties were related to patient's satisfaction, but only from the patients' perspective. Community treatment (CT) teams in Switzerland provide care to patients who are unable to use regular child and adolescent mental health services (i.e. inpatient and outpatients facilities). No study has considered patients' self-rated satisfaction alongside with staff members' perspectives on patient satisfaction. Thus, adopting a cross-sectional survey design, we collected patients' satisfaction using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8), rated by multiple informants (patients, foster carers in foster homes and professional caregivers from CT teams). Professional caregivers assessed clinical outcomes using the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale for Children and Adolescents. The results indicated that all informants were satisfied with the community treatment teams. The satisfaction scores were not correlated across informants; however, the alleviation of emotional symptoms was correlated with patients' satisfaction. This study indicated that the use of a combined approach including the views of service users and professionals gives important complementary information. Finally, in our sample, lower emotional symptoms were linked to enhanced patient satisfaction. This study demonstrated the importance of considering multiple perspectives to obtain the most accurate picture of patients' satisfaction. Second, focusing on the reduction of emotional symptoms might lead to a higher degree of patients' satisfaction.

Investigation of geriatric syndromes in very elderly people in Beijing community

Objective To investigate the geriatric syndromes in the very elderly people in Beijing community, in order to provide the basis for management of geriatric syndromes and rational use of medical resources. Methods All community-dwelling residents aged 95 years and over living in Haidian district and some residents aged 85 years and over living in Haidian, Chaoyang and Xicheng districts were investigated in household in Beijing. The survey included the general condition, functional status and geriatric syndromes such as falls, senile urinary incontinence, chronic pain syndrome, chronic constipation and malnutrition occurrence. Results 336 seniors with the mean age of (96.0±3.0) years were investigated. The percentage of people who had falls within 1 year, chronic pain, and chronic constipation was 27.2% (88/324), 37.3% (122/327) and 47.6% (160/336) respectively. The incidence of urinary incontinence was 37.1% (118/318), with 33.3% (46/138) in males and 40.0% (72/180) in females, and there was no significant gender difference in the incidence of urinary incontinence (P=0.220). The incidences of malnutrition and malnutrition risks was 10.4% (31/299) and 50.5% (151/299). 37.2% of subjects could walk outdoor with a better physical function. The self-rated health satisfaction was lower in elderly people with malnutrition and urinary incontinence than in subjects without those diseases (40.0% vs. 70.4%, 34.0% vs. 64.6%, χ2=25.20, 25.30, both P<0.001). 26% of them had never heard of geriatrics. Conclusions Geriatric syndromes are common in community-dwelling older seniors. It is urgent to spread the geriatric knowledge and set a reasonable goal for diagnosis and treatment in the seniors. Key words: Syndrome; Accidental falls; Urinary incontinence; Malnutrition

Is the competence of Swedish Registered Nurses working in municipal care of older people merely a question of age and postgraduate education?

Previous studies suggest that not only education but also personal aspects such as experience of working as a registered nurse (RN) and age can influence competence. The objective was to explore the educational and self-rated competence of RNs and their duties within the care of older people. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. All RNs in two counties in Sweden were asked to complete a written questionnaire: a study specific questionnaire with educational and work related questions using the Nurse Competence Scale. The response rate was 61% (n 344). Higher self-rated satisfaction with own professional competence was related to older age, more years after nursing education and possessing at least one postgraduate education in specialist nursing. Educational needs were related to younger age and fewer years since nursing graduation. Education within elder care, including education about drugs was rated the most urgently needed area of education. The most frequently reported tasks were found in the domain helping role, whereas ensuring quality was less present in their daily work. Educational level, age and years of experience had an impact on RNs' self-perceived competence, which is in accordance with previous descriptions of the concept competence. It seems imperative that RNs working in care of the old and with the demands placed on them are given the opportunity to take a postgraduate specialist education in order to gain a competence level in their desired area of work. It is also important that RNs working in care of the old get tailored education in line with the requirements the organisation places on them.

Exploring occupational balance in adults in Sweden

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between occupational balance (measured by the occupational balance questionnaire [OBQ]) and self-rated health and life satisfaction. A secondary aim was to explore differences in occupational balance among adults in Sweden. Methods: The 153 participants (63% women), recruited using convenience sampling, answered a questionnaire comprising demographic questions, the OBQ, one item about self-rated health, and one about life satisfaction. The OBQ was analysed for correlation with subjective health and life satisfaction. The OBQ and its individual items were also analysed for correlations with age and for differences between men and women and participants living with children younger than 18 years versus not. Results: The OBQ was significantly positively correlated to self-rated health and life satisfaction, supporting the relationship between occupational balance and health. No significant correlation between age and the total OBQ was identified but some differences in occupational balance, related to whether the participant was living with or without children at home, were revealed. Conclusions: The results should be interpreted with caution due to the nature of the sample and data but they can serve as a point of departure for further studies and hypotheses regarding occupational balance in different populations.

Spectral EEG Features of a Short Psycho-physiological Relaxation

Abstract Short-lasting psycho-physiological relaxation was investigated through an analysis of its bipolar electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics. In 8 subjects, 6-channel EEG data of 3-minute duration were recorded during 88 relaxation sessions. Time course of spectral EEG features was examined. Alpha powers were decreasing during resting conditions of 3-minute sessions in lying position with eyes closed. This was followed by a decrease of total power in centro-parietal cortex regions and an increase of beta power in fronto-central areas. Represented by EEG coherences the interhemispheric communication between the parieto-occipital regions was enhanced within a frequency range of 2-10 Hz. In order to discern between higher and lower levels of relaxation distinguished according to self-rated satisfaction, EEG features were assessed and discriminating parameters were identified. Successful relaxation was determined mainly by the presence of decreased delta-1 power across the cortex. Potential applications for these findings include the clinical, pharmacological, and stress management fields.

Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) has been shown to block the action of 5-alpha reductase and to have antiandrogenic effects on rats. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was designed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of PSO for treatment of hair growth in male patients with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia (AGA). 76 male patients with AGA received 400 mg of PSO per day or a placebo for 24 weeks. Change over time in scalp hair growth was evaluated by four outcomes: assessment of standardized clinical photographs by a blinded investigator; patient self-assessment scores; scalp hair thickness; and scalp hair counts. Reports of adverse events were collected throughout the study. After 24 weeks of treatment, self-rated improvement score and self-rated satisfaction scores in the PSO-treated group were higher than in the placebo group (P = 0.013, 0.003). The PSO-treated group had more hair after treatment than at baseline, compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001). Mean hair count increases of 40% were observed in PSO-treated men at 24 weeks, whereas increases of 10% were observed in placebo-treated men (P < 0.001). Adverse effects were not different in the two groups.

Informality and exclusion: evidence from matched employer-employee data for Lebanon and Syria

Abstract Abstract Informality, measured as the share of the employed who do not have access to social security, is high in Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic. This paper uses new data from the 2010 Lebanon and Syria matched employer-employee surveys, which include modules that directly test for ability (Raven’s progressive matrices) and self-reported personality characteristics in addition to a detailed section on job quality. The analysis of differentials in earning, self-reported attitudes toward jobs, working conditions, and self-rated satisfaction across formal and informal jobs shows that, even after controlling for measured ability and personality traits, there is a significant formality premium. Moreover, in Lebanon, informal workers are significantly more likely than formal workers to want to change jobs. These findings suggest that much of the observed informality in these two countries might not be due to individual choice but more likely to exclusion from formal markets. JEL codes H53, H55, J23, J24, J31, J32, J42, J71, J81, K31, M51, O53

The Association Between Women's Self-Rated Health and Satisfaction with Environmental Services in an Underserved Community in Lebanon

This research evaluated the association between women's self-rated health and a number of socioeconomic and environmental health indicators relating to drinking water services in an underserved Lebanese community. A population-based, cross-sectional survey using interviews was adopted to obtain information from female homemakers of 2,223 households in the town of Bebnine, Lebanon. The questionnaire included indicators on self-rated health, satisfaction with water quality, source of drinking water, occurrence of diarrhea, and socioeconomic variables, such as education, occupation, and perceived economic status. Self-rated health was categorized as poor, fair, and good. Odds ratios for poor and fair compared to good self-rated health values were calculated using multinomial logistic regression. A total of 712 women (32%) reported poor self-rated health. Women who perceived their household income to be worse than others in town were four times as likely to report poor health. Compared to women who were satisfied with drinking water quality, dissatisfied women were 42% more likely to report poor health. Women living in households reporting recent episodes of diarrheal illness had poorer health ratings than those without. The findings suggest a positive relationship between individual perceptions of water quality and self-rated health. Community concerns over their surrounding environment serve as a primary guide for infrastructural development and government policy.

A clinical study to assess the effectiveness of a hyaluronic acid-based procedure for treatment of premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is a sexual debilitating condition affecting a large number of men worldwide and leading to important dysfunctions influencing the patients' affective and emotional life. Hyaluronic acid is a natural and safe compound that has been widely used not only in the aesthetic medicine clinic, but also for treatment of osteoarthritis. The present study shows the effectiveness of a hyaluronic acid-based procedure for treatment of premature ejaculation. A hundred and ten male patients were treated with hyaluronic acid injections in the deep dermis of their glans penis to increase the volume and the circumference of their penis to prevent male premature ejaculation and improve the patients' and their partners' sexual satisfaction. The intravaginal ejaculation latency time increased significantly from a baseline value of 88.34±3.14 s to 293.14±8.16 s after 6 months from the procedure. Maximal glandular circumference increased from 98.51±0.71 mm to 114.35±0.66 mm after 6 months from the procedure. At 6-month follow-up, patients' self-rated satisfaction was 5.3±0.07 (range: 4–6). At the follow-up, partners' self-rated satisfaction was 5.1±0.09 (range: 3–6). The present clinical study showed that hyaluronic acid injection is a promising treatment for premature ejaculation. The effect of the procedure in the long-term follow-up needs to be clarified.

特性シャイネス及び感情表出の制御が友人関係満足感及び友人行動量に及ぼす影響

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the trait shyness and the regulation of emotional expression on close friendship behavior at both cognitive and behavioral level. Two hundred and thirty-one undergraduates (111 males and 120 females) completed a) Trait shyness scale, b) regulation of emotional expression scale, c) self-rated satisfaction of friendship and d) checklist of dyadic behaviors with their close friends. The main results were as follows: i) Shy males were less satisfied and had fewer behaviors with their friends than not-shy males. ii) Shy females had fewer behaviors with their friends than not-shy females. iii) Females who marked a high score on regulation of emotional expression were less satisfied of their friendship than low scorers. iv) Only for males, the interaction effects of trait shyness and regulation of emotional expression on close friendships were partly confirmed. The results indicate that trait shyness has negative effects on both dyadic behavior of friendship and friendship satisfaction though excessive emotion expression has negative effects only on friendship satisfaction.

Vision-Related Quality of Life and Self-Rated Satisfaction Outcomes of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Surgery: Three-Year Prospective Study

BackgroundSubjective functional outcomes measurements, such as vision health-related quality of life (VRQoL) and self-rated satisfaction measures can provide helpful multidimensional vision health information that is more comprehensive than traditional objective measures, such as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The purpose of this study is to demonstrate 3-year longitudinal postoperative VRQoL and self-rated satisfaction changes after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery.Methodology/Principal FindingsA prospective case series report was conducted in 92 RRD patients who underwent surgery during January 2004 through December 2006. Preoperative, 3-month, 1-year and 3-year postoperative patient VRQoL and self-rated satisfaction were assessed by face-to-face interviews. The importance of objective variables for predicting three dependent variables: CLVQOL composite scores change, 3-year postoperative CVLQOL composite score and self-rated satisfaction degree scores were calculated by stepwise multivariate linear or logistic regression analysis methods.ResultsThe total CLVQOL composite scores change ranged between -48 and 90 (mean±standard deviation: 19.48±31.34), including positive changes in 62 patients. The self-rated satisfaction degree scores ultimately improved in 86 patients as compared with preoperative degrees. Statistically significant increases occurred only in the composite scores of subscale mobility and self-rated satisfaction degrees in the first 3 months, while the composite scores of the remaining subscales, and the total CLVQOL, BCVA in the RRD eye and weighted average BCVA, increased steadily throughout the first postoperative year. A better 3-year postoperative weighted average BCVA was associated with all of the 3 dependent outcome variables.ConclusionsVRQoL of RRD patients improved substantially after surgery and they were satisfied with their postoperative vision. The BCVA, VRQoL and self-rated satisfactory degree scores recovered in different patterns, and supplemented each other in the RRD surgery outcomes evaluated. Surgeons are advised to pay closer attention to binocular vision in RRD patients, and make efforts to explain the results of surgery.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among adults in Italy: Use and related satisfaction

IntroductionComplementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is attracting attention within the context of health care provision in western countries. Patterns of CAM use and related satisfaction were analysed in Italy according to socio-demographic and health variables. Materials and methods104,544 individuals (aged>18) were interviewed by the cross-sectional ISTAT survey on “Health status of the population and use of health services” (2004–2005). CAM use and related satisfaction were evaluated by bivariate analysis and logistic regression models. Results14.4% (n=14,963) of sample used at least one CAM typology in the three years before the interview; manual treatments were the most widespread (7.6%), followed by homeopathy (7.0%), herbal medicine (4.1%), and acupuncture (2.1%). Factors associated with CAM use included gender, age, educational level, social class and area of residence: use was more frequent among women, middle-aged, highly educated and upper-middle class persons, living in Northern Italy. People with chronic diseases used CAM more frequently. Most CAM users reported complete satisfaction (60.6% acupuncture; 69.2% herbal medicine; 70.8% homeopathy; 77.8% manual treatments), with high satisfaction also among subjects with chronic conditions. A higher education level predicted satisfaction more than social class while refusing to combine conventional medicine and CAM was the strongest determinants of complete satisfaction. ConclusionOne out of seven adult Italians had used CAM the last three years. Users are mainly highly educated persons, belonging to the upper social class, and people affected by chronic conditions. Levels of self-rated satisfaction are generally high, both in the absence and in the presence of chronic diseases.