Concepts of homeopathy among general population in Karachi, Pakistan.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the characteristics of patients and their gender influences concerning the use of homeopathic medicine, visiting both homeopathic and conventional medicine (allopathic) clinics.


METHODS
This cross sectional study was carried out on 200 patients who attended private and public homeopathic and allopathic clinics or hospitals in Karachi using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Data for demographic variables of frequencies and associations between variables were analyzed on SPSS version 12.0. Significance level was p < 0.05.


RESULTS
Out of the total, 64.5% respondents, more among females than males (p < 0.01) believed in homeopathy. Although slightly more than a quarter preferred homeopathic treatment than allopathic treatment, 67.5% participants had had homeopathic consultation and treatment in the past. Amongst participants who had opted for homeopathy in any of their illnesses, the majority had it for chronic conditions which included skin lesions and problems of rheumatology.


CONCLUSIONS
In this modern era, where people have the choice to decide newer and advanced forms of medical treatment and scientific methods, a large proportion of people still rely on alternative forms of treatment like homeopathy. More awareness regarding use of homeopathic treatment is needed among general population.
Shah
Syed Faraz-ul-Hassan
SF
Department of Community Health Sciences, Hamdard College of Medicine & Dentistry, Karachi.
Mubeen
Syed Mohammed
SM
Mansoor
Salman
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006705:Homeopathy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008419:Materia Medica; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D008419:Materia Medica