Factors Associated with Participation in Integrative Community Therapy Circles in Brazil: A Case–Control Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Identify the factors associated with participation in Integrative Community Therapy (ICT) circles in Brazil, focusing on the socio economic profile, health status, usage of other Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicines (TCIM), mental disorders, and support from family and friends. Methods: Data from the 2019 National Health Survey of Brazil (NHS) were used, in which, of the 94,114 people interviewed, 5649 answered the question regarding participation in ICT circles, with 93 affirmative answers. A paired case-control study was carried out with measurement of simple and relative frequencies, Pearson's Chi-square test, odds ratio (OR), 95% CI and logistic regression to control confounding variables. Results: The profile of participants who most frequently attended ICT circles predominantly included women (38.5%), from urban areas (37.3%), identifying as white (40.1%), residing in the Midwest region (65.2%), and living alone in their household (44.9%). After logistic regression, the variables that remained statistically significant were Auriculotherapy (OR = 7.45), Meditation (OR = 4.78), some ICHP by SUS (OR = 6.65) and being diagnosed with Depression (OR = 2.06). Conclusions: As a genuinely Brazilian practice, ICT is aligned with the Principles and Guidelines of the Brazilian Public Health System, thus highlighting the importance of the public sector in ensuring that this and other ICHP are implemented and promoted in the country, since it is a strategy that can guarantee over the years the reception of the population.