Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) are interventions that are used in place of or alongside conventional medication; it has been described as “complementing mainstream medicine by contributing to the common whole” (Ernst, 2000). The use of CAM is on the increase worldwide, with a prevalence of 30% to 50% recorded in industrialized countries in 1998 (Astin et al., 1998).
People are increasingly consulting CAM practitioners and are also doing their own research on CAM products as well as self-medicating by purchasing products that are freely available from health shops and pharmacies. Trends seem to emerge in the type of people who seek out these modalities and people who do use CAM modalities seem to have favourable results. This study was formulated to give insight into the perceptions of CAM users in Cape Town regarding CAM use. The information obtained can be used to get a better understanding about CAM users themselves and their attitudes toward CAM in order for better education of the public on CAM and marketing of CAM professions in the future.
Worldwide studies have been done on the prevalence of CAM use, and in South Africa, only one done so far in Chatsworth (Durban)(Singh et al., 2004).
In South Africa, the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPCSA) registers and regulates 11 CAM professions, namely Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Naturopathy, Osteopathy, Phytotherapy, Therapeutic Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Massage, Therapeutic Reflexology and Unani-Tibb. Even though the practitioners are regulated, some CAM products are freely available in retail outlets.
The aim of this study is to determine the attitudes towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine by users in Cape Town, evaluated by means of a survey.
This study was conducted by means of a survey; 200 questionnaires were distributed to 10 different health shops in Cape Town. Participants completed the questionnaires privately on the premises and handed them to the staff at the health shops.Completed
questionnaires were placed in sealed envelopes and collected by the researcher on completion of the study. Out of the 200 questionnaires that were distributed, 183 were completed and results were analyzed by STATKON.