Use of Alternative Medicine by Patients in a Rural Family Practice Clinic2

• Study conducted at Guthrie clinic in 2002 by two residents to examine the patterns of use of alternative medicine in a rural setting. 750 adult clinic patients were surveyed to determine the number of patients that use alternative medicine, the factors a

• The responders: 97% were white, 74% were female, and 60% had an annual income of less than $35,000.

• 47.3% used at least one form of alternative medicine (excluding exercise and prayer) in the last year. Most common types were chiropractic, relaxation techniques, herbal medicine, and massage.

• About 70% did not reveal use to PCP.

delMundo MD, Windfred and William C. Shepherd MD. Use of Alternative Medicine by Patients in a Rural Family Practice Clinic. Family Med 2002; 34(3):206-12.