USE OF COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES FOR HIV AI DS IN SWITZERLAND/

The aim of the present survey was to evaluate the incidence and spectr um of complementary therapies among HIV-infected persons in Switzerlan d. Under the auspices of the SATG (Swiss Aids Treatment Group), a 13-p age questionnaire was created to gather data on sociodemographics, sta ge of HIV infection, current regimes on opportunistic infections and a ntiretroviral medication, current and past use of complementary treatm ents, and reasons for choosing and terminating complementary therapies . Approximately 640 questionnaires in French and German were distribut ed among HIV-infected subjects. Distributing organizations were People with Aids (P.W.A.), the University Hospital Zurich and the regional ' 'Aids-Hilfe'' institutions. With 129 questionnaires returned, the feed back was about 20%. More than 80% of participants used at least one co mplementary therapy. Each person currently used four therapies (median ) from a spectrum of more than 60 specific complementary treatments. T he following treatments were used by more than 25% of respondents: vit amins, special diets, food supplements, physical exercise, meditation, phytotherapy, homeopathy, and psychotherapy. 47% of participants took either antiretroviral medication, prophylaxis' against opportunistic infections, or both.