Table 4 Univariate analysis: Categorical factors associated with greater self-care

Sex

< 0.001

Female respondents used a greater number of self-care practices than male respondents

   Male

3.12 (2.6)

   Female

4.62 (2.9)

Problem under control

0.001

Those who felt their health problem was not under control used a greater number of self-care practices

   Yes

3.75 (2.7)

   No

4.59 (2.9)

Use of prescription medication

0.039

Those currently taking prescription medications used a greater number of self-care practices

   Yes

4.36 (3.1)

   No

3.85 (2.7)

Have consulted a GP (< 6 months)

< 0.001

Those who had consulted a GP recently used a greater number of self-care practices

   Yes

4.8 (3.1)

   No

3.61 (2.6)

Have consulted a CAM practitioner (< 6 months)

< 0.001

Those who had consulted a CAM practitioner used a greater number of self-care practices

   Yes

5.64 (3)

   No

3.64 (2.7)

Have seen a specialist (ever)

< 0.001

Those who had seen a specialist used a greater number of self-care practices

   Yes

4.84 (3.0)

   No

3.66 (2.73)