Publication details for Dr Kimberly Jamie

Lindenmeyer, A., Jamie, K., Griffiths, F. & LéGaré, F. (2011). “They're Made in Factories and Not by Witches on the Allotment” A Qualitative Study of Midlife Women in the United Kingdom, Exploring Their Approaches to Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Health Care for Women International 32(12): 1046-1067.

• Publication type: Journal Article
• ISSN/ISBN: 0739-9332 (print), 1096-4665 (electronic)
• DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2011.603864
• Further publication details on publisher web site

Author(s) from Durham

• Dr Kimberly Jamie

Abstract

This article explores midlife women's experiences and approaches related to complementary and alternative therapies (CAMS). Ninety-six midlife women were asked about their use of CAMs as part of their overall approach to midlife health. Qualitative thematic analysis was combined with a case-based approach. Women set their experience of CAMs in the context of conventional medicine taking and discussed their safety and different uses. For treatments requiring direct contact with a practitioner, accessibility and quality of the relationship were crucial. Four overall approaches could be discerned (political–critical, pragmatic, careful and wellbeing-oriented) that dynamically interacted with women's experiences.