Positive Health Online

Abstract

UPCHURCH and CHYU, UCLA School of Public Health, University of California-Los Angeles, 650 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1722, USA, upchurch@ucla.edu, have assessed the use of complementary and alternative therapies by American women.

Background

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of CAM use by American women, and to compose a profile of characteristics of CAM users.

Methodology

Methods: Data from a 1999 health survey were used.

Results

33.5% of American women had used CAM therapies in the previous 12 months. Spiritual healing and herbal medicine were the most commonly used. Women who are older, better educated, of poorer health, and who live in the West or Mid-west as opposed to the South are more likely to use CAM therapies. Compared to whites, ethnic minorities are less likely to use CAM. By contrast, insurance status was not related to CAM use.

Conclusion

This study provides one of the first comprehensive investigations of CAM use among American women. Future research incorporating attitudinal and health conditions, as well as clinical efficacy and health outcome studies of specific CAM therapies are warranted.

References

Upchurch DM, Chyu L. Use of complementary and alternative medicine among American women. Womens Health Issues 15 (1): 5-13, Jan-Feb 2005.