Why do people favour alternative medicine?
OBJECTIVE
The primary aim of the study was to investigate the determinants of attitudes towards alternative medicine. The study also examined the dimensionality of dissatisfaction with conventional medicine.


METHODS
The data was based on a telephone survey of a random sample of 787 Victorians. The survey was conducted in 1997-8.


RESULTS
Principle component analysis showed that dissatisfaction with conventional medicine has two distinct dimensions, one relating to the medical outcome and the other relating to the medical encounter. Multiple regression results showed that neither of these dimensions explain people's attitudes towards alternative medicine. Instead, a substantial proportion of variance in this variable was explained by a set of values that include faith in natural remedies, subscribing to a holistic view of health, consumerism and believing in individual responsibility.


CONCLUSIONS
The main reason people favour alternative medicine is their health-related values and beliefs.


CONCLUSIONS
Health policies of the future should take into account values and cultural change.
Siahpush
M
M
La Trobe University, Victoria. M.Siahpush@aw.latrobe.edu.au
D000328:Adult; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria