Acupuncture Use in Rural Japanese Family Medicine Populations: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Background: Studies from several countries demonstrate significant use of acupuncture and recent upward trends in use. Acupuncture is relatively common in Japan, but no previous research has evaluated its use in rural Japanese populations. Objective: To evaluate the use of acupuncture in rural Japanese populations. Design: By using a Japanese version of the International Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (I-CAM-Q), a cross-sectional survey was conducted in three family medicine clinics in rural Japan. This work extends findings of a previous study about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in general to focus specifically on acupuncture use. Participants: Patients and visitors to the three clinic sites were invited to participate. Results: Of the 340 respondents who answered questions regarding acupuncture, 29 were categorized as acupuncture users (8.5%). Acupuncture users were less likely to have a higher education degree (26% vs. 49%; P = 0.05) and had worse self-rated health scores (P = 0.08) than nonusers. A higher proportion of users had neurologic (28% vs. 11%; P = 0.02) and gynecologic (24% vs. 12%, P = 0.06) health problems. Acupuncture users were more likely to use other CAM treatments and see other CAM providers. Conclusions: Acupuncture use is relatively common in rural Japanese populations. As in previous studies, individuals with chronic illnesses were more likely to use acupuncture. These data fill a gap in the literature regarding acupuncture use in rural Japan and reinforces the notion that primary care providers in rural Japan should familiarize themselves with acupuncture and the indications for acupuncture use.