Today, over forty percent of all Americans have used some sort of complementary, or alternative therapy. Complementary therapies are being used in conjunction with allopathic medicine more than ever, and a new type of health care, Integrative Medicine, is emerging. This study examined why people choose a complementary therapy by determining the differences between consumers and nonconsumers of complementary therapies regarding their decision-making processes for their choice in health care. The study was conducted in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with people between the ages of 18 to 25 years. The nonconsumers (n=30) were randomly selected from a convenience sample recruited from the general population of Texas Woman's University. The consumers (n=36) were self-selected from the clientele of local chiropractors. The Health Decision Making Index (HDMI) was used to test the hypothesis regarding decision making. Analysis of the results showed a significant difference in the number of reasons listed in choosing whether or not to seek complementary care.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Discuss the differences between consumers and nonconsumers of complementary therapies. 2. Apply the information learned to his/her current and prospective clientele. 3. Develop usable consumer education information
Keywords: Chiropractic, Consumer Direction
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.