Ethnic differences in population approach and experience regarding complementary-alternative medicine (CAM)

Purpose The aim of this survey was to characterize one urban Arab population who turns to complementary-alternative medicine (CAM). Methods Outpatient participants were selected randomly by their ethnical affiliation. The questionnaire was filled during patient visit to their assigned urban outpatient clinic. The answers to the first two questions determined whether the questionnaire was to be completed or not (if at least one answer was Yes, the questionnaire was completed). Results More mates (19%) seek for CAM in the Arab group in comparison to more females in the Jewish population (27%). Fifteen per cent and 7% of the individuals in the Jewish and Arab groups who used CAM have academic education. Fifty-two per cent and 27% of the Jewish and Arab populations declared themselves seculars, 72% of the Arab individuals declared to be traditionalists-religious-orthodox in their believes in comparison to 47% in the Jewish population. Twenty-eight per cent and 0% in the Jewish and Arab populations, respectively, preferred a conventional doctor (MD) in CAM practice. More than 30% in both populations preferred CAM to be delivered in medical and nursing schools. Conclusions Forty percent and 31% in the Jewish and Arab groups experienced complementary medicine intervention at least once. When comparing people who used complementary medicine to those who did not, it is observed that the percentage of individuals holding academic degrees in the Jewish group is higher than in the Arab interviewed in the group utilizing complementary medicine. Traditionalist-religious-orthodox individuals seek more complementary medicine in the Arab population (72%) in comparison to 47% in the Jewish individuals. Only 17% of the Arab individuals and 19% in the Jewish group knew about the adverse reactions caused by CAM therapies. More than 30% in both ethnic groups were in favor of 'legalizing' complementary medicine. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.