Use of alternative drugs in Finland

The purpose of this study was to assess the use of alternative drugs among the adult population in Finland, especially to find out how the health status, health behaviour and use of licensed drugs and health care services are related to the use of alternative drugs.

A telephone interview was conducted in March 1992 with a response rate of 85%.

A random, representative sample of 2134 Finns aged between 15 and 74 years.

A total of 39% of the respondents had used one or more types of alternative drugs during the last year. Most common was the use of health food products. Women used all types of alternative drugs more often than men. The use of alternative drugs was more common among educated and urban respondents. Perceived health or existence of a long-standing illness was not related to alternative drugs use whereas reporting of psychosomatic symptoms was. Non-smoking was positively related to the use of alternative drugs and also active exercise among men. The use of non-prescription drugs, official and unofficial health services were positively related to alternative drugs use.

The use of alternative drugs is popular and it may increase in the future. The use of alternative drugs can be considered a form of medicalization. More information on products used and people using alternative drugs is needed.