Characteristics of Homeopathy Users among Internal Medicine Patients in Germany

Abstract

Background: Homeopathy use continues to grow in many European countries, and some studies have examined the characteristics of patients using homeopathy within the general population. The aim of this study was to identify predictors for homeopathy use among internal medicine patients. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among all patients being referred to the Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine at Essen, Germany, over a 3-year period. The analysis examined whether patients had used homeopathy for their primary medical complaint before, the perceived benefit, and the perceived harm of homeopathy use. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 2,045 respondents, 715 (35.0%) reported having used homeopathy for their primary medical complaint (diagnosis according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems), with 359 (50.2%) reporting perceived benefits and 15 (2.1%) reporting harm. Homeopathy use was positively associated with female gender, high school level education, suffering from fibromyalgia or subthreshold depression, and being fast food abstinent, while patients with osteoarthritis, spinal or other pain, smokers, and patients with a high external-social health locus of control were less likely to use homeopathy. Conclusion: Personal characteristics and health status may impact on the use and the perceived helpfulness of homeopathy.

The Patient Population at Homeopathic Outpatient Clinics across India: A Clinical Data Collection Study

“…The present study reports the findings of data collection conducted in a routine homeopathic outpatient setting using software for case recording and data collection. The demo-graphic data of the patients, such as predominantly younger age group of patients 25 and a higher proportion of female patients than male patients, 16,18,21 are comparable with the available literature. Whilst above 60-year-olds were the least represented in the present study, other data collections found the highest frequencies among the 46 to 60, 16 49 to 64 17 and 40 to 60 18 years age groups.…”

“…This surpasses the improvement or positive health changes earlier reported to be 76%, 16 70% 17 and 50%. 21 Our numbers for large improvement, however, are lower than two of those earlier studies: 11% compared with 32% 16 and 25%. 17 This study is the outcome of real-world data analysis from 14 health clinics in different parts of India.…”

“…19,20 There have been several other initiatives as well for homeopathy data collection in Europe. 21,22 Whilst these studies have shed light on the characteristics of homeopathy users in different locations worldwide, further exploration of these aspects, particularly in India, is necessary. The current study aimed to understand the patients' profiles and ailments treated at the homeopathic outpatient departments (OPDs), while gathering preliminary information on the repertorization process for prescription.…”

“…19 20 There have been several other initiatives as well for homeopathy data collection in Europe. 21 22…”

Medical decision making beyond evidence: Correlates of belief in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and homeopathy

“…In many studies, the focus was on socio-demographic variables. It was found that primarily middle-aged [8], well-educated women use CAM [16,35] and homeopathic treatments, in particular [4,8,19,35,36]. In addition, reasoning skills have also been examined in relation to CAM belief and use.…”