Health perceptions and self care response to illness among users of medical alternative health services in St. Andrew, Jamaica

ABSTRACT

Do persons who utilize the services of the alternative therapist demonstrate a greater self-care response to illness? This cross-sectional study was done to compare the health perceptions and self-care response to minor illness among users of conventional medical care and alternative therapy. Data were collected with a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire to 99 patients of medical practitioner and 74 of alternative therapists. Results indicated statistically significant differences in some health perceptions such as ways to improve general health and responsibility for personal health. For both groups there were similarities in socio-demographic characteristics and self-care responses to minor illness, such as headaches, constipation, diarrhoea, sinus congestion and colds or flu. Also, results reflected a common practice of self-management of minor illness and an overlap in attendance by patients to both groups of practitioners. Recommendations are made for the public to be guided in its practice of self-management of minor illness and that a regulatory body be set up to govern the practice of alternative therapy in Jamaica. (AU)