Background: Although chronic illness is a primary reason given for visits to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers little attention has been given to the study of the various physical functional limitations (PFL) that are often the sequelae of chronic diseases among CAM users. This study evaluated whether PFL's are a independent predictor for consulting a CAM provider. Methods: Data analysis was performed using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Weighted logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Unadjusted analysis showed that individuals with PFL's are two times as likely to visit a CAM provider compared to people who report no PFL's. After adjusting for confounders a significant interaction between level of PFL's and race appear. African-Americans do not go to CAM practitioners until their PFL's are severe, when they are over three times more likely to visit a CAM practitioner. Whites and Hispanics with PFL's are over two times more likely to visit a CAM provider compared to whites with no reported PFL's. Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, Pacific Islanders, and Asian-American PFL's are almost six times more likely to see a CAM provider compared to Whites with no reported PFL's. Conclusion: Reasons why people consult CAM providers are still uncertain. The results of this study suggest that PFL's are another reason why individuals consult a CAM provider. An individual's race or ethnicity also appears to be an important factor in determining why people visit CAM providers. Future research into the CAM practices of racial/ethnic groups appear highly warranted in light of these findings.
Learning Objectives: 1. Be able to recognize who uses complementary and alternative care providers. 2. Discuss how differnt ethnic/racial groups use complementary and alternative providers at differnt rates
Keywords: Health Care Utilization, Unconventional Healing
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.