Complementary alternative medicine (CAM) use in Ireland: a secondary analysis of SLAN data

National prevalence studies on CAM use have been undertaken internationally, however, to date no such studies have been performed in Ireland. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of CAM use among the general population in Ireland and to identify characteristics of typical Irish CAM users.

A descriptive, quantitative design was used. A secondary data analysis of the SLAN (National Survey of Lifestyles, Attitudes and Nutrition) 1998 (N=6539) and 2002 (N=5992) surveys was undertaken, allowing access to data from a representative cross-section of the Irish adult population. Use of CAM was determined by whether or not respondents had ever attended a CAM practitioner. chi(2) test for independence of categorical variables and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used (stepwise function of SPSS software).

The prevalence rate for visits to CAM practitioners increased from 20% in 1998 to 27% in 2002. Similar to international findings, Irish CAM users are more likely to be well educated, affluent, middle-aged and employed. Self-employed persons in particular are more likely to visit CAM practitioners (a finding not commonly reported internationally). Irish persons suffering from pain, anxiety and depression are also more likely to use CAM.

Use of CAM is increasing among the Irish general population and predictors of CAM use in this study are broadly similar to those found internationally. The profile constructed from our study should assist health professionals to identify those persons who may wish to use CAM so that appropriate verbal/written guidance may be provided.