Exploring attitudes toward, and knowledge of, homeopathy and CAM through focus groups

Abstract

Five focus groups (five female non-users; five male non-users; seven males, both users and non-users; seven female users; six male and female users) were conducted to get an idea of lay people's knowledge and attitudes to CAM. In each group, run by the same experienced moderator, various topics were systematically explored: knowledge of CAM treatments; attitudes towards CAM; personal experience of CAM; suggestions for bringing CAM into wider use. Results showed participants had self-confessed ignorance about homeopathy and also that their ideas and beliefs were not internally coherent. Suggestions about using this methodology are considered.