Prevalence of homeopathy use by the general population worldwide: a systematic review. Issue 2 (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Relton, Clare; Cooper, Katy; Viksveen, Petter; Fibert, Philippa; Thomas, Kate
• Is Part Of: Homeopathy. Volume 106:Issue 2(2017:Apr.)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Systematic review -- Prevalence -- Homeopathy -- Treatment by homeopaths -- Homeopathic medicines -- Over-the-counter medicines -- Worldwide; Homeopathy -- Periodicals; Homeopathy -- Periodicals; Homeopathy; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.532
• DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2017.03.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1475-4916

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To systematically review surveys of 12-month prevalence of homeopathy use by the general population worldwide. Methods: Studies were identified via database searches to October 2015. Study quality was assessed using a six-item tool. All estimates were in the context of a survey which also reported prevalence of any complementary and alternative medicine use. Results: A total of 36 surveys were included. Of these, 67% met four of six quality criteria. Twelve-month prevalence of treatment by a homeopath was reported in 24 surveys of adults (median 1.5%, range 0.2–8.2%). Estimates for children were similar to those for adults. Rates in the USA, UK, Australia and Canada all ranged from 0.2% to 2.9% and remained stable over the years surveyed (1986–2012). Twelve-month prevalence of all use of homeopathy (purchase of over-the-counter homeopathic medicines and treatment by a homeopath) was reported in 10 surveys of adults (median 3.9%, range 0.7–9.8%) while a further 11 surveys which did not define the type of homeopathy use reported similar data. Rates in the USA and Australia ranged from 1.7% to 4.4% and remained stable over the years surveyed. The highest use was reported by a survey in Switzerland where homeopathy is covered by mandatory health insurance. Conclusions: This review summarises 12-month prevalence of homeopathy use from surveys conducted in eleven countries (USA, UK, Australia, Israel, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, South Korea, Japan and Singapore). Each year a small but significant percentage of these general populations use homeopathy. This includes visits to homeopaths as well as purchase of over-the-counter homeopathic medicines.