Change and stability: use of complementary and alternative medicine in Israel: 1993, 2000 and 2007

Background: Complementary and alternative health care has gained increasing popularity in Western societies in recent years. The objective of the article is to explore cross-sectional variations and temporal changes in the patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) consultations in Israel in 1993, 2000 and 2007. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 2003 respondents in 1993, 2505 in 2000, and 752 in 2007, using identical questions. The samples represented the Israeli Jewish urban population aged 45-75 in the respective years. Results: The rate of use of CAM during the previous year increased from 6% in 1993, to 10% in 2000 and reached 12% in 2007. Women and highly educated persons have been significantly and consistently more likely to use CAM. Among the users, homeopathy, acupuncture and reflexology are the main types of CAM used. Lower back pain became the leading problem for which care was sought. A significant proportion of the users continue to use conventional medicine concurrently, and an increasing share was referred to CAM by their physician. Past good experience has become a major reason for CAM use. Conclusions: Between 1993 and 2007, CAM use in the Israeli urban Jewish population aged 45-75 years increased significantly. As in other countries CAM grew from an infant industry and entered the mainstream of health care. The evidence reported here highlights the urgent need for the design of health and social policies aiming to achieve more effective integration between CAM and conventional medicine.