Positive Health Online

Abstract

ASTIN and colleagues, Stanford Center for Research in Disease Prevention, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo alto, California 94304-1583 USA. astin@scrdp.stanford.edu surveyed the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in elderly persons in California.

Background

Methodology

The authors surveyed Californians enrolled in a Medicare risk product which offered coverage for acupuncture and chiropractic care. Surveys were posted to 1597 members in 1997; responses were received from 728 respondents (51% response rate). Health risk assessment data were obtained at baseline and at 12-15 months following enrollment in the plan. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to analyse predictors of CAM use.

Results

40% of senior citizens reported using CAM, of which the most frequently cited therapies were herbs (24%), chiropractic (20%), massage (15%) and acupuncture (14%). Users of CAM tended to be younger, more educated, reported either arthritis and/or depression/anxiety, not be hypertensive, engage in exercise, practise meditation and visit physicians more frequently. CAM was not associated with any observed changes in health status. Respondents expressed considerable interest in receiving third-party coverage for CAM. 80% of respondents reported that they had substantially benefited from using CAM; however the majority (58%) did not discuss their use of CAM with their medical doctor.

Conclusion

These data suggest that there is significant interest in and the use of complementary/alternative medicine among elderly people, and suggest the importance of further research regarding the use of potential efficacy of these therapies within the senior population.

References

Astin JA et al. Complementary and alternative medicine use among elderly persons: one-year analysis of a Blue Shield Medicare supplement. The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 55(1): M4-9. Jan 2000.