Prevalence and characteristics of Australian women who use prayer or spiritual healing: A nationally representative cross-sectional study

- One in five women reported regular use of prayer or spiritual healing.
- Prayer or spiritual healing use is greater for women with chronic illness symptoms.
- Use of prayer or spiritual healing is higher in non-smokers and users of other CAM.

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and characteristics of users of prayer or spiritual healing among Australian women aged 31-36 years.Design and settingThis cross-sectional study was conducted as a part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). The sample used in the current sub-study were participants from the 'young' cohort (1973-78) (n = 8180) aged between 31 and 36 years.Main outcome measureUse of prayer or spiritual healingResultsPrayer or spiritual healing was used on a regular basis by 20% of women aged between 31 and 36 years in 2009. Women who had symptoms of chronic illnesses (p = 0.001), women who had never smoked (p = 0.001) and women who used other forms of CAM (p < 0.001) were significantly more likely to use prayer or spiritual healing.ConclusionA significant proportion of women use prayer or spiritual healing on a regular basis. Further research is required to better understand their rationale for using prayer or spiritual healing and its perceived impact on health related outcomes and general well-being.