The Importance of Knowing the Patients: Characteristics and Motivations of People who Choose Homeopathic Treatment in Mexico and Latin America

Background: Homeopathy is popular throughout the world, with Latin America playing a key role. Mexico, the first country to officially recognize homeopathy, shows a high acceptance of complementary therapies. However, studies exploring the characteristics and motivations of homeopathy patients remain limited. This study examines the sociodemographic profile, motivations, diseases treated, and perceived efficacy of homeopathy among its users. Objective: To identify the sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, and motivations for choosing homeopathy, analyze the diseases treated, and assess users’ perceptions of its effectiveness. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted with 450 homeopathy patients in Mexico, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. A validated structured survey with closed questions collected data on demographics, motivations, illnesses treated, and treatment efficacy. The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics, using frequencies, percentages, and measures of central tendency, complemented by discriminant analysis to determine the differences between groups among the variables of frequency of consultation and the variables of sociodemographic and motivational profile. Results: The majority of respondents were women (77%) aged 26 to 59. Most used homeopathy for acute and chronic conditions (39.3%) or for combined physical and mental symptoms (55.6%), with 73% relying exclusively on homeopathy. Key motivations included the ineffectiveness of other treatments (48.4%) and personal recommendations (46.7%). Discriminant analysis revealed that frequent users are primarily women treating chronic and mental conditions, often combining homeopathy with other therapies. Conclusion: The study provides evidence that homeopathy is positively accepted by users, particularly among women. The study is being replicated in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. Efforts should focus on promoting its use among men and pediatric populations. Future qualitative studies and international research will complement these findings, supporting public policies to integrate and promote homeopathy in society.