The continuing use of complementary and alternative medicine in South Australia: costs and beliefs in 2004

OBJECTIVE: To survey the use, cost, beliefs and quality of life of users of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). DESIGN: A representative population survey conducted in 2004 with longitudinal comparison to similar 1993 and 2000 surveys. PARTICIPANTS: 3015 South Australian respondents over the age of 15 years (71. 7% participation). RESULTS: In 2004, CAMs were used by 52. 2% of the population. Greatest use was in women aged 25-34 years, with higher income and education levels. CAM therapists had been visited by 26. 5% of the population. In those with children, 29. 9% administered CAMs to them and 17. 5% of the children had visited CAM therapists. The total extrapolated cost in Australia of CAMs and CAM therapists in 2004 was AUD1. 8 billion, which was a decrease from AUD2. 3 billion in 2000. CAMs were used mostly to maintain general health. The users of CAM had lower quality-of-life scores than non-users. Among CAM users, 49. 7% used conventional medicines on the same day and 57. 2% did not report the use of CAMs to their doctor. About half of the respondents assumed that CAMs were independently tested by a government agency; of these, 74. 8% believed they were tested for quality and safety, 21. 8% for what they claimed, and 17. 9% for efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Australians continue to use high levels of CAMs and CAM therapists. The public is often unaware that CAMs are not tested by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for efficacy or safety.