Table 3 Reasons for using CAM in 1997–8 compared to 2005
% (N) Agree | |||
|---|---|---|---|
I use complementary medicine/therapy because.... | 1997–8 N = 141 | 2005 N = 185 | |
Standard recoding | Conservative recoding | ||
1. Conventional medicine was not effective for my health problem. | 41.8 (59) | 67.2 (123)* | 49.2 (90) |
2. I believe that complementary/alternative medicine allows me to take a more active role in maintaining my health. | 51.8 (73) | 91.8 (168)* | 76.5 (140)* |
3. The conventional medicine treatment I received had unpleasant side effects. | 9.2 (13) | 55.7 (102)* | 37.7 (69)* |
4. I value the emphasis that complementary/alternative medicine places on treating the whole person. | 36.9 (52) | 92.4 (170)* | 78.3 (144)* |
5. I had difficulty communicating with my medical doctor (for example, he/she didn't understand my problem, didn't listen, etc.). | 7.1 (10) | 40.1 (73)* | 22.0 (40)* |
6. I am desperate to solve my health problem and I will try anything. | 9.9 (14) | 63.9 (115)* | 45.1 (83)* |