Study shows sharp contrasts in complementary and alternative medicine use across countries

Contrary to expectations, the COVID pandemic did not cause a spike in the overall use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Europe: the growth was modest, from 27% in 2014 to 28% in 2023. These University of Helsinki findings are reported in an article published in the Journal of Public Health.

That said, differences between countries are considerable. Topping the list in 2023 was Lithuania, where almost 44% of the population reported using CAM, whereas the corresponding figure in Hungary was just around 12%.

Lithuania was also the country where CAM use increased the most, from 34% in 2014. Notable growth was moreover recorded in France—from 33% to 42%—alongside Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland. In contrast, CAM use declined in Germany from 40% to 35% and in Finland from 36% to 28%.

Use of alternative medical systems (AMS) had declined

The study found that the use of traditional Asian medical systems (TAMS) had remained steady, while the use of alternative medical systems (AMS), including, for example, homeopathy, had declined. A small increase was seen in manual body-based therapies and mind–body therapies.

“These trends reflect users’ evolving preferences and emphasize CAM’s changing role in self-care and well-being practices throughout Europe,” notes Senior Research Fellow Laura Kemppainen of the University of Helsinki.

Significance of culture, politics and health care for individual choices

The researchers argue that country-specific variation in CAM use points to cultural factors, regulatory contexts and differences in health care systems. The findings suggest that national culture, politics and access to health care shape people’s choices.

“Alternative medicinal systems, such as homeopathy, have in recent years received increasing public and political scrutiny in countries such as France and Germany, which may explain why their use has declined there,” says Laura Kemppainen.

About 8% of CAM users reported relying solely on CAM, without consulting medical professionals.

“This may lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Although the share is not large enough to raise significant public health concerns, it does highlight the need for continued monitoring,” says University Lecturer Teemu Kemppainen.

Earlier studies have indicated that CAM users tend to be mainly women, middle-aged and well-educated.

“These socio-demographic factors are vital in understanding health behavior and monitoring CAM use,” says Teemu Kemppainen.

The study builds on the authors’ previous, widely cited European analysis of CAM use and serves as an update to the 2023 European Social Survey (ESS).

Combined, the results deliver a decade-long overview of changes in health behavior and the effects of events such as the COVID pandemic.