Abstract
This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the use of alternative medicine in term of meaning, prevalence and predictors of alternative medicine usage. The sample was taken from 8 provinces in 4 regions of Thailand. The qualitative study consisted of 40 cases that were purposely selected, using different measures, to reflect different social backgrounds and use of alternative medicine. The quantitative sample consisted of 1,099 that were randomly withdrawn using different random sampling methods.
This study found that for lay people the meanings of alternative medicine were: Integrated self-care, the decision of choice to care, holistic care, naturalistic care, non-western medicine, the inferior medicine, the preventive medicine and the cultural wisdom medicine. The most popular therapies are exercise, herbs, massage, natural nutrition, lifestyle management.
The predictive factors of alternative use that were found in this study included : Memberships of health group together with health status and sex. In addition, satisfaction from the effectiveness and safety were also predictors of using alternative medicine. The reason of using alternative medicine in term of ability to self-care and promotion and maintaining of health and balance to health were also found to be the predictors of alternative medicine use.
Following these results, we suggest strategies for developing alternative medicine and integrating it into national health care systems and national insurance programs, to develop mechanism to ensure appropriate, safe and effective use of traditional medicine which include: Increasing access to alternative medicine information and the development of health network in all social levels.
