Abstract
In many countries, recent data on the use of complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM) are available. However, in England, there is a paucity
of such data. We sought to determine the prevalence and predictors
of CAM use in England.Data were obtained from the Health Survey for
England 2005, a national household survey that included questions
on CAM use. We used binary logistic regression modelling to explore
whether demographic, health and lifestyle factors predict CAM use.Data
were available for 7630 respondents (household response rate 71\%).
Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of CAM use were 44.0\% and 26.3\%
respectively; 12.1\% had consulted a practitioner in the preceding
12 months. Massage, aromatherapy and acupuncture were the most commonly
used therapies. Twenty-nine percent of respondents taking prescription
drugs had used CAM in the last 12 months. Women (OR 0.491, 95\% CI:
0.419, 0.577), university educated respondents (OR 1.296, 95\% CI:
1.088, 1.544), those suffering from anxiety or depression (OR 1.341,
95\% CI: 1.074, 1.674), people with poorer mental health (on GHQ:
OR 1.062, 95\% CI 1.026, 1.100) and lower levels of perceived social
support (1.047, 95\% CI: 1.008, 1.088), people consuming ? 5 portions
of fruit and vegetables a day (OR 1.327, 95\% CI: 1.124, 1.567) were
significantly more likely to use CAM.Complementary and alternative
medicine use in England remains substantial, even amongst those taking
prescription drugs. These data serve as a valuable reminder to medical
practitioners to ask patients about CAM use and should be routinely
collected to facilitate prioritisation of the research agenda in
CAM.
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