The Reasons for and Satisfaction from Using Acupuncture in Isfahan

Acupuncture with classical anatomical bioenergetic base is one of ancient complementary medical methods in the world. The correct application of acupuncture is an advantageous method since it does not cause any serious and life threatening side effects. Although acupuncture has not been long practiced in Iran, its use is constantly growing. However, there is not any accurate statistics about the reasons it is used and the level of satisfaction from the treatment. Therefore, we decided to evaluate these parameters in Isfahan. This was a descriptive analytical study conducted in Isfahan,Iran, during spring 2011. The target group included people who referred to acupuncture clinics in this city. According to the formula, the sample size was estimated as about 227 patients who were randomly selected. Subjects were included if they participated at least 10 sessions of acupuncture treatment and did not begin any new treatment method. The only exclusion criterion was refusing to fill the questionnaire. Data was collected through questionnaires and was analyzed by SPSS. In this study, we evaluated patients who were treated with acupuncture. Most of them were women (77%). Their mean age was 38.4 ± 11.99 years. The majority of the patients had university education. The commonest complaints among the patients were obesity, backache, joint pain, anxiety, headache, neck pain, hypertension, dermatological disorders and nausea. Most patients tried acupuncture since conventional medicine has been unsuccessfulness to treat their problems. The average scores of satisfaction from the acupuncture method and specialist were 27.72 ± 3.6 and 28.71 ± 5.45 (out of 35), respectively. Patients reported acupuncture to be able to reduce their issues including headache (61%), obesity (58%), musculoskeletal pain (56%), anxiety (51%), and dermatological disorders (20%). According to the satisfaction rates from acupuncture, Iranians may be more willing to use acupuncture in the future. Chronic pain and obesity are important problems in modern societies that lead to disabling situations either as part of a disease progression or side effects of drugs used for their treatment. Therefore, considering the fewer side effects of acupuncture in comparison with conventional medicine, it is necessary to perform more research about different aspects of this therapy.