Positive Health Online

Abstract

KELNER and WELLMAN, Institute for Human Development, Life Course and Aging, University of Toronto, Ontario compared the social and health characteristics of patients from five groups of practitioners: 1) family physicians (used as baseline group); 2) chiropractors; 3) acupuncturist/ traditional Chinese medicine doctors; 4) naturopaths ; and 5) Reiki practitioners.

Background

Methodology

Data were gathered in a large Canadian city during 1994-1995. Face-to-face interviews were carried out with 300 patients (60 patients from each treatment group).

Results

The most evident social and health differences occurred between patients of family physicians and those of alternative practitioners. There were also significant differences between the various groups of alternative patients. Reiki patients had a higher level of education and were more likely to be employed in managerial or professional positions than patients from alternative groups.

Conclusion

The profiles presented indicate that users of alternative therapies ought not to be regarded as a homogeneous population, and that almost all patients of alternative practitioners also consult family physicians. The emerging pattern is one of multiple uses: patients choose the type of practitioner they believe can best help their particular health problem.

References

Kelner M and Wellman B. Who seeks alternative health care? A profile of the users of five modes of treatment. J Altern Complement Med 3(2): 127-40. Summer 1997.