Research recently published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine (using data from the ISTAT survey on “Health status of the population and use of health services” (2004–2005): sample size 104,000, 18+ adults) show that around 15% of Italian adults have been treated with a CAM therapy (in last 3 years).

The most popular therapies used in Italy were some type of ‘manipulation’ therapy and homeopathy (around a half of these users had used either one, or both).

Just under 25% of these people had used herbal medicine and around 15% had used acupuncture.

The research showed that CAM usage was more frequent among highly educated and upper-middle class people, women, middle-aged people – and in Northern Italy. It was found that people with chronic diseases used CAM more frequently.

Most CAM users reported complete satisfaction with their treatments.

Complete satisfaction ratings were: acupuncture (61%); herbal medicine (69%); homeopathy (71%); manual treatments(78%).

There were also “high satisfaction” ratings from individuals with chronic conditions.

The strongest determinants of ‘complete satisfaction’ with their CAM treatments were found amongst those who “refused to combine conventional medicine and CAM”.