USE OF ALTERNATIVE HEALTH-CARE PRACTITIONERS BY CANADIANS

This study focuses on the use of alternative health care practitioners by Canadians aged 15 and over using data from the 1994-95 National Po pulation Health Survey. A total of 17,626 respondents were selected. C onsultation with an alternative health care provider or with a chiropr actor was deemed to be an indicator of the use of alternative health c are. In 1994-95, an estimated 15% of Canadians aged 15 and over (3.3 m illion people) used some form of alternative health care in the year p receding the survey. Use of alternative health care was most prevalent among women, persons aged 45-64 and among higher income groups. The u se of alternative health care was associated with the number of diagno sed chronic illnesses. Among persons free of chronic diseases, 9% cons ulted alternative health care providers compared with 26% of those wit h three or more chronic conditions. Since the population is aging, the proportion with multiple chronic illness will also increase, with con sequent demand for services from alternative health practitioners. The inclusion of any alternative practitioner services under existing hea lth care plans could result in higher health care costs.