Epidemiology of the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in central area of São Paulo
Establish the profile of São Paulo citizen regarding alternative practices, based on the literature and on the assumption that the use of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is mediated by factors such as socioeconomic status, gender and dissatisfaction with official medicine. Also, determining the usage, frequency, amount, types, costs and reasons. Furthermore, it aims to contribute to the health actions of the local Health Unit.
METHODS:
Cross-sectional study, population-based, through interviews with adults above 18 years old, living in Barra Funda in the influence area of the Health Centre, which was selected from a systematic sample, by homogeneous cluster, in areas covered by the PSF (Programa Saúde da Família). Were excluded from the sample those who could not respond to the interview, otherwise we requested the help of other family member. The sample contains 380 individuals considering the frequency of use, the difference found between the proportions of users or not, according to personal characteristics. The sample size considered the effect of the study design, losses due to refusal, lack of locals (after two visits to residences), failure in filling the questionnaire. The analysis was made with the chi-square test.
RESULTS:
It was determined the frequency, motivation and costs of these therapies used by respondents. The use of CAM was more prevalent in people with income greater than the median household income of the sample. Furthermore, individuals with college degrees use complementary therapies more than others. It was also found that women use more than men. Finally, we had acupuncture, prayer and tea as known and used by most respondents.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings allow us to identify the need for greater closeness between health professionals and alternative therapies. Also, it was found the need to expand the use of complementary therapies to assist in the restoration of health problems, and on preventive health.