Who uses complementary and alternative medicine in Israel?

To describe the Israeli complementary and alternative medicine users and examine whether they are the same or different from non-users.

This analysis was conducted on data collected from the use of health services module (n=2,365) of the Israeli National Health Interview Survey conducted 2003-2004. The questionnaire was based on the European Health Interview Survey and was administered over the telephone by trained interviewers.

This survey was conducted on a random sample of the Israel general population age 21 years or more.

Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Complementary and alternative medicine was defined as self-reported use of homeopath, acupuncturist, chiropractor/osteopath, naturopath, or other complementary and alternative provider services for the subjects' own health needs in the last 12 months.

Almost 6 percent of Israelis reported using complementary and alternative medicine. Use increased with income. Users were more likely to visit any doctor or a specialist in the prior 4 weeks to the survey compared to nonusers. Users self-reported similar use of pain medications compared to nonusers.

These findings inform the international debate regarding if and how complementary and alternative medicine services should be covered by national health insurance.