Why people use herbal medicine: insights from a focus-group study in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The use of herbal medicine, as one element of complementary and alternative medicine, is increasing worldwide. Little is known about the reasons for and factors associated with its use. This study derives insights for the use of herbal medicine in Germany regarding the usage aims, role played by the type of illness, reasons for preferred usage and sources of information.

Methods

Using a qualitative methodological approach, six focus groups (n = 46) were conducted. Two groups with young, middle-aged and elderly participants, respectively. After audiotaping and verbatim transcription, the data were analysed with a qualitative content analysis.

Results

We found that treating illnesses was the most frequently discussed aim for using herbal medicine over all age

SUBMITTER: Welz AN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5855977 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature