Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108399

Gloria Taylor, DSN, RNc, Wellstar School of Nursing, Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Road, #1601, Kennesaw, GA 30144, 770-423-6590, gtaylor@kennesaw.edu and Ping Hu Johnson, MD, PhD, CHES, Health, Physical Education and Sports Science, Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, GA 30314.

In the United States (US), few CAM studies have been conducted among African American women (AAW). Due to their unique cultural background, AAW may have a different pattern of CAM use. This study was designed to examine CAM use, reasons for CAM use, and the patterns of healthcare provider visits among AAW in a large metropolitan area of the southeastern US. A paper-pencil survey was administered to participants who attended a one-day health conference for women of color in June 2004. A total of 270 surveys were distributed and completed. Of those, 15 were completed by non-AAW and not included in the data analyses. Two hundred and twenty-two respondents (87%), mean age 42, identified having a primary health problem in the past12 months. Of these AAW, 64% visited a conventional doctor only, 5% visited a CAM provider only, and 16% visited both types of providers. Self initiated prayer/spiritual healing was used most often by women who identified a primary health problem (31%), followed by massage (24%), vitamin supplementation (24%), and others. Reasons for CAM use were to: feel better (46%), have more energy (41%), promote health and well being (41%), and others. Many AAW are using CAM independent of CAM providers. This means that healthcare providers need to interview clients closely regarding their use of CAM when prescribing conventional treatment. In addition, AAW who use CAM for health promotion and well being may also be receptive to learning about and adopting other health promoting behaviors.

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