ONE THIRD (32%) OF CANADIAN DOCTORS HAVE ADVISED PATIENTS TO USE PRAYER OR MEDITATION AS TREATMENT FOR A MEDICAL CONDITION

ONE THIRD (32%) OF CANADIAN DOCTORS HAVE ADVISED PATIENTS TO USE PRAYER OR MEDITATION AS TREATMENT FOR A MEDICAL CONDITION

FOUR IN TEN (38%) CANADIANS INDICATE THAT THEY HAVE USED PRAYER OR MEDITATION AS PART OF THEIR HEALTHCARE ROUTINE

This Angus Reid Group poll was conducted on behalf of CTV, Chatelaine Magazine and the Medical Post. The results presented here are from two separate study samples conducted in June 1998. The first is a telephone survey of 201 physicians - a sample of this size is said to have an associated margin of error of +6.9 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

The second sample consisted of 1501 telephone interviews with a representative cross-section of the adult Canadian public. The margin of error for a sample of this size is +2.5%, 19 times out of 20. These data were statistically weighted to ensure the sample's regional and age/sex composition reflects that of the actual Canadian population according to the 1996 Census data.

The margin of error will be larger within regions and for other sub-groupings of the survey population.

One third of Canadian doctors indicate that they have advised their patients to pray or meditate as a form of treatment for a medical condition - with four in ten patients (38%) report that they have used prayer or meditation as a part of their healthcare routine.

The following are highlights from surveys conducted in June 1998 with 201 physicians and a representative cross-section of 1,501 Canadian adults with corresponding margins of error of +6.9% and +2.5% accordingly.

And the Prescription is Faith

One third (32%) of Canadian doctors who were polled for the Medical Post annual survey indicated that they have advised their patients to "engage in regular prayer or meditation to treat a medical condition."

Four in Ten Canadians (38%) Have Used Prayer

Four in ten Canadians (38%) report having used prayer or meditation as part of their healthcare routine. In particular, 21% strongly agree with prayer or meditation being apart of their healthcare routine, while 17% somewhat agree.

• Quebecers (30%) are less likely than Canadians from other regions to use prayer or meditation as a part of their healthcare routine.
• Canadians between the ages of 18 and 34 (32%) are less likely than those who are 35 years or older (42%) to use prayer as part of their healthcare.
• Women (45%) are more likely than men (32%) to use prayer or meditation as part of their healthcare.

For further information, please contact:

John Wright
Senior Vice President
Angus Reid Group
(416) 324-2900