title: Reasons for choosing and complying with complementary health care: an in-house study on a South Australian clinic.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore the reasons why clients initially consult a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioner, the reasons that influence clients to seek treatment, and the factors that influence clients to be compliant with their treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Quantitative data were obtained via a self-completion survey (n = 158). Qualitative information was derived from eight semistructured interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study took place in a clinic in Norwood, South Australia. Participants were primarily residents of the eastern suburbs of Adelaide.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study involved a convenience sample of clients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Survey and interview results demonstrated that clients access CAM practitioners not solely for improvement of physical symptoms, with 54% of clients indicating a desire for counseling for general health issues and 50% wanting dietary and nutritional treatment. Of the subjects 36% sought increased self-insight and benefit from a wider perspective of healing. In addition 55% of respondents indicated that quality of relationship between CAM and client has a major impact on compliance and continuity of treatment, which in turn affects the overall success of the treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clients in this clinic accessed complementary health care for a variety of reasons including gaining another perspective on their health. It suggests that CAM does not replace conventional medicine but may be used as an adjunct to conventional medicine.
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia., Norwood Homoeopathic Centre, Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: D'Crus
authors.forename: Jenny M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013021:South Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires