Complement Ther Med. 1999 Sep; 7(3): 164-9.

Postmodern attitudes about health: a population-based exploratory study.

Siahpush M.

La Trobe University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Victoria, Australia.

OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a preliminary exploration of the prevalence of postmodern attitudes about health. DESIGN: In a region of southeastern Australia structured telephone interviews with a random sample of 209 participants. RESULTS: Responses suggesting postmodern attitudes to health were prevalent: the majority of respondents appear to hold a holistic view of health, believe in individual responsibility for achieving health, reject medical authority, hold consumerist values, prefer natural products over chemical drugs, think most prescription drugs have side effects, do not believe all illnesses require medication from doctors and hold anti-technology sentiments. However, results reveal that most people have much faith in science. CONCLUSION: Attitudes prevalent among the public in south eastern Australia are congruent with the philosophy of most complementary therapists. This may be one reason for the growth of complementary medicine.