Treatment choices: insights into disease-specific use and self-perceived benefits of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine in Germany

Abstract Background Previous cross-sectional studies suggest that Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) is used frequently in Germany. We assessed TCIM usage patterns across different disease categories in the German population. Method In this cross-sectional survey of an online-representative sample of the German population aged 18–75 years, participants were asked about their use and acceptance of TCIM. Participants were also queried about 15 illness categories. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Results A total of 4,065 individuals (52% female) responded. 70% had used TCIM at some point in their lives, 32% in the last 12 months, and 18% were current users. Over half (52%) reported a mostly or very positive attitude towards TCIM. The highest rates of TCIM use were reported for acute respiratory illness (55.9%), chronic gastrointestinal illness (51.4%) and acute gastrointestinal illness (49.2%). The illness-specific, self-reported benefit from TCIM ranged from 61.4 to 86.2% (mean 70.8%) and remained high even among individuals of poorer health-related quality of life. No relation between TCIM use across different disease categories and the global research activity in those categories was apparent in the scatter plot. Conclusions TCIM is widely used and perceived as beneficial for acute and chronic conditions in Germany. Individuals with poorer health status also reported substantial benefit. Stakeholders in the German healthcare system should critically examine the high level of TCIM use, promote rigorous scientific evaluation, integrate evidence-informed TCIM with conventional medicine, and ensure appropriate reimbursement for TCIM through statutory health insurance.