[Rxtrinsic determinants for using complementary medical therapies].
BACKGROUND
Numerous studies have explored intrinsic factors that influence the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Extrinsic determinants of patients' choice of therapy have seldom been explored.


OBJECTIVE
This study analyzes the effects of extrinsic determinants on the first-time use of CAM. Furthermore, it analyzes how extrinsic determinants influence the choice of particular CAM methods and the frequency of CAM use.


METHODS
The analysis bases on a data set generated by a survey using standardized questionnaires. 31.8% out of a1,000-patient sample responded. 86.6% of the respondents were aged 21-60 years, 79.5% were female. The analysis employs descriptive statistics, univariate tests and multivariate fractional logit models.


RESULTS
Recommendations by friends and family are the strongest determinant of first time use of CAM. The strongest determinant of the choice ofa particular therapy is its perceived efficacy. Patients with as trong preference for effective therapies use CAM more frequently(OR 1.687; 90% CI 1.040-3.378). In particular, these patients use phytotherapy (1.787; 1.040-3.372), homeopathy(2.282; 1.161-10.806) and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) (2,386; 1,421-4,396) more frequently. Patients with a strong preference for physicians' recommendations use manipulative therapies more frequently (1,610; 1,177-2,374),and energetic therapies less frequently (0,451; 0.261-0,693). Patients valuing high-profile therapies (0,714; 0.585-0,883)and expert recommendations (0,608; 0.508-0,732) use CAM less frequently. Socio-demographic characteristics do not affect the total usage of CAM.


CONCLUSIONS
The usage pattern of CAM does not only depend on intrinsic factors. It is also determined by extrinsic factors.
Köntopp
Sabrine
S
Koentopp.Gesundheitsstudien, München, Deutschland. sabine.koentopp@gesundheitsstudien.de
Ebersberger
Bernd
B
D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans