Table 1 Characteristics of informants (all women)

Ann

38

16

Prescription medicine, non-prescription medicine, herbal medicine, supplements of vitamins and minerals, supplements of oils, physical therapy, massage, psychology/psycho therapy, acupuncture.

Bertha

39

18

Non-prescription medicine, herbal medicine, supplements of oils, yoga, physical therapy.

Cecilia

38

16

Non-prescription medicine, herbal medicine, supplements of vitamins and minerals, special diet, Tai Chi, physical therapy.

Doris

36

17

Prescription medicine, non-prescription medicine, herbal medicine, supplements of vitamins and minerals, supplements of oils, homeopathy, physical therapy, massage, therapeutic horse back riding, chiropractics, healing, kinesiology, hypnosis, meditation.

Elinor

39

20

Prescription medicine, non-prescription medicine, herbal medicine, supplements of vitamins and minerals, supplements of oils, massage, psychology/psycho therapy.

Fay

37

18

Non-prescription medicine, herbal medicine, supplements of vitamins and minerals, supplements of oils, special diet, yoga, chiropractics.

Gina

38

17

Prescription medicine, non-prescription medicine, herbal medicine, supplements of vitamins and minerals, supplements of oils, special diet, physical therapy.

Heather

39

15

Prescription medicine, non-prescription medicine, herbal medicine, supplements of vitamins and minerals, special diet, homeopathy.

Ingrid

33

17

Non-prescription medicine, herbal medicine, acupuncture.

Jane

33

17

Prescription medicine, non-prescription medicine, herbal medicine, supplements of vitamins and minerals, supplements of oils, special diet, yoga, Qi Gong, massage, reflexology, meditation.

Kylie

31

16

Prescription medicine, non-prescription medicine, herbal medicine, supplements of vitamins and minerals, physical therapy, acupuncture.