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Patterns of use--alternative health care practitioners
1Health Statistics Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0T6. millway@statcan.ca
Health Reports
|April 9, 2004
Summary
Approximately 3.8 million Canadians consulted alternative practitioners in 1998/99. Asthma and back problems were significantly linked to seeking alternative care, especially among women and adults aged 25-64.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Background:
- Alternative medicine use is prevalent in Canada.
- Understanding user demographics and health conditions is crucial for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine consultations with alternative practitioners.
- To identify characteristics of individuals utilizing alternative care.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from Statistics Canada's National Population Health Survey (1994/95-1998/99).
- Employed descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis.
- Controlled for various related health and demographic factors.
Main Results:
- In 1998/99, 3.8 million Canadians accessed alternative practitioners.
- Women, individuals aged 25-64, and those in Western provinces showed higher consultation rates.
- Asthma and back problems were significantly associated with alternative care use, even after controlling for other factors.
Conclusions:
- Demographic and health factors influence alternative practitioner consultations.
- Specific conditions like asthma and back pain are strong predictors of seeking alternative care.
- Findings highlight the importance of integrating complementary medicine into broader health system considerations.