The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #33426

Amy L. Ai, PhD, Health Sceince System, University of Washington & University of Michgan CAM Research Center, 4101 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98105-6299, (206) 221-7781, amyai@u.washington.edu and Steven F. Bolling, MD, Dept. of Surgery, Department of Surgery, 2120B Taubman Center, Medical Center Ave, U of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

In the past decade, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the United States (US) has increased dramatically (1990 to 1997). In the health literature, however information on the CAM utility among sick populations is scarce. Even less is known about the pattern of CAM use in the sub-population with heart disease – the leading cause of permanent disability in the US. Purpose: This study investigated the prevalence, pattern, perceived benefits, and predictors of the use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) among middle-aged and older patients prior to cardiac surgery. Method: Comprehensive information of 246 patients who came for preoperative medical assessment was obtained through face-to-face interview. CAM utility of 225 was obtained by telephone the day before surgery. A computerized STS Adult Cardiac Database of Cardiac Surgery, provided patients’ medical information. Results: 182 patients (80.9%) confirmed CAM use, including relaxation techniques, lifestyle-diet modification, spiritual healing, megavitamin therapy, massage, herbs or folk remedies, and imagery. Education, functional status, the number of noncardiac chronic conditions, status as former cigarette smoker, public religiosity, and congestive heart failure predicted greater CAM utility, whereas cerebrovascular diseases and arrhythmia tended to predict less use. Conclusions: Findings suggest that there is considerable CAM use in this cardiac sample. Health providers should investigate patients’ CAM utility and promote collaborative public health care. They should value the choice of consumer groups in order to improve the quality of healthl care and the patient-provider relationship. This public trend should be recognized in the area of public health.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Recognize the prevalence and the types of CAM used by middle-life and older cardiac patients.
• Describe their perceived benefits and reason for this usage.
• Identify the correlates or predictors of CAM usage of these patients.
• Prioritize the need for assessing CAM usage at hospital setting and clinics.
• Assess the relationship between spirituality or value system and CAM usage of patients.
• Apply the research methods used in the present study.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.