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. 2009 Nov;127(6):329-34.
doi: 10.1590/s1516-31802009000600002.

Prevalence of the use of homeopathy by the population of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil

João Felício Rodrigues-Neto  1 , Maria Fernanda Santos Figueiredo, Anderson Antônio de Faria
Affiliations

Prevalence of the use of homeopathy by the population of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil

João Felício Rodrigues-Neto et al. Sao Paulo Med J. 2009 Nov.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Context and objective: Homeopathy is a therapeutic system that uses small doses of substances to stimulate autoregulatory and self-healing processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the use of homeopathy by the population of Montes Claros, Brazil, and the socioeconomic profile of users.

Design and setting: Probabilistic cross-sectional study with cluster sampling, in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais.

Methods: This study was conducted by applying semi-structured questionnaires. The sample was composed of 3,080 people. For the statistical analysis, Student's t test and the chi-square test were used. The statistical significance level used was P < 0.05.

Results: We interviewed 3,090 people. The prevalence of the use of homeopathy was 2.4%. The factors associated with its use were female gender, schooling and income. The main reason that led to seeking homeopathy was "Conventional treatment did not have any effect". For 70.2% of the users, the cost of the treatment was considered reasonable or cheap. About 73% were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment received through homeopathy.

Conclusions: The prevalence of the use of homeopathy found here was less than that reported in other countries. People with higher income and schooling levels used homeopathy more frequently. There was higher prevalence among women. Most users declared themselves satisfied with the treatment received.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO:: A homeopatia é um sistema terapêutico que utiliza pequenas doses de substâncias para estimular processos de autocura e autorregulação. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de utilização da homeopatia pela população de Montes Claros e o perfil socioeconômico do usuário.

TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL:: Estudo transversal, probabilístico, por conglomerados, na cidade de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais.

MÉTODOS:: Estudo realizado por meio da aplicação de questionários semi-estruturados. A amostra foi composta por 3.080 pessoas. Na análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste t de Student e o teste do Qui-quadrado. A significância estatística considerada foi P < 0,05.

RESULTADOS:: Foram entrevistadas 3.090 pessoas. A prevalência de utilização da homeopatia foi de 2,4%. Os fatores associados à utilização foram: gênero feminino, escolaridade e renda. O principal motivo que levou a procura da homeopatia foi “o tratamento convencional não surtiu efeito”. Para 70,2% dos usuários o custo do tratamento foi considerado suportável ou barato. Cerca de 73% ficaram satisfeitos ou muito satisfeitos com o tratamento recebido na homeopatia.

CONCLUSÕES:: A prevalência de uso de homeopatia encontrada ficou aquém da relatada em outros países. Pessoas com melhores níveis de renda e escolaridade utilizam homeopatia com maior frequência, assim como as mulheres. A maioria dos usuários declarou-se satisfeito com o tratamento recebido.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: None

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