September 27, 2005 – Seven in ten Canadians have used natural health products (NHPs), although almost half say they are unfamiliar or unfamiliar with these products. Perhaps this explains why the first source of information to which they refer on this subject is a member of their family!
This is what emerges from a national survey1 carried out on behalf of Health Canada, which in 2003 was responsible for enforcing the NHP regulations.
In fact, 71% of the 2,004 people surveyed across the country said they had used at least one NHP. Of these, 38% do it daily, 11% on a weekly basis and 37% on a seasonal basis.
Oddly enough, participants first turn to family members for information about NHPs (28%). They then consult websites (19%), pharmacists (18%), then doctors (14%).
In general, women (78%) use NHPs more than men (64%). “Regular” users have a post-secondary or university education, have higher than average incomes, are under 55 and consider themselves to be in good health (72%).
According to the survey, 77% of Canadians believe that NHPs can be used to maintain or promote good health, as well as to treat illness (68%). No less than 43% of respondents even go so far as to state that NHPs are better than conventional drugs. But almost as many, or 46%, believe that the claims made by the manufacturers are unfounded …
What are the most popular NHPs? Vitamins and minerals (57%) are by far the most used. Echinacea (15%), herbal, seaweed or mushroom-based remedies (11%), glucosamine (8%) and homeopathic remedies (5%) follow.
Nonetheless, Canadians are very keen to have access to information about NHP recalls (53%), their potential side effects (52%) as well as their possible interactions with medications (51%).
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. The survey was conducted from February 17 to March 17, 2005 by the firm Ipsos Reid, among 2,004 Canadians aged 18 and over. The sample has a margin of error of 2.2%, 19 times out of 20. To access the survey results: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/pubs/natur/eng_cons_survey_e .html [Consulté le 26 septembre 20005].
