Positive Health Online

Abstract

GRZYWACZ and colleagues, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1084, USA,  grzywacz@wfubmc.edu, have explored connections between age, ethnicity and use of CAM therapies.

Background

Drawing on models of health self-management, these authors have developed the hypothesis that age and ethnicity will modify associations among indicators of poor health and use of CAM.

Methodology

Methods: This hypothesis was evaluated using the 2002 National Health Interview Survey with the Alternative Health Supplement.

Results

Ailments such as bodily pain, chronic conditions, and functional impairment are associated with use of complementary and alternative medicine among midlife and younger adults, but these associations are generally attenuated among older adults. Hypothesized ethnic differences received weak support.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that different interpretations of ailments and appropriate responses may explain why complementary and alternative medicine is used by fewer older adults.

References

Grzywacz JG, Suerken CK, Neiberg RH, Lang W, Bell RA, Quandt SA, Arcury TA. Age, ethnicity, and use of complementary and alternative medicine in health self-management. Journal of Health & Social Behavior 48 (1): 84-98, Mar 2007.