186495 Practice patterns and training for tobacco cessation for three types of complementary and alternative medicine practitioners

Monday, October 27, 2008

Lysbeth Floden, MPH , Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Myra Muramoto, MD, MPH , Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Cheryl Ritenbaugh, PhD, MPH , Department of Family and Community Medicine, Arizona State University, Tucson, AZ
Mikel Aickin, PhD , Program in Integrative Medicine and Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Mimi Nichter, PhD , Department of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Mark Nichter, PhD , Department of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Objectives: The purpose of the study was to characterize practice patterns and tobacco cessation training for three types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners (acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM], chiropractic, and massage). Methods: Researchers administered a mail survey to all licensed acupuncturist, chiropractors, and massage therapists in Tucson, Arizona. N=356 practitioners responded (acupuncturists, n=63, chiropractors, n=56, massage therapists, n=237). Results: Most respondents practice more than one CAM modality (mean 2.6, SD 1.9) with acupuncturists practicing 4.8 (SD 1.9), chiropractors, 2.9 (SD 1.9) and massage therapists, 2.0 (SD 1.4). For example, over 50% of acupuncturists report using herbs, energy therapies, and nutritional counseling in practice. When asked if they had training in tobacco cessation, 64.5% report none. Respondents who report training, 19.9% had professional training (73% acupuncturists, 18% chiropractors, 7% massage therapists), 17.3% learned on their own (36% acupuncturists, 15% chiropractors, 4% massage therapists) and 11.1% received continuing education training (37% acupuncturists, 13% chiropractors, 13% massage therapists). When asked how often they ask new clients about tobacco use, 77% of acupuncturists report always, compared to 58% of chiropractors and 17% of massage therapists. When asked how often they advise clients to quit tobacco, 44% of acupuncturists report always compared to 34% of chiropractors and 9% of massage therapists. Results: CAM practitioners in Tucson, AZ identify with a primary modality; however they often use multiple modalities. Most respondents report no formal tobacco cessation training and many do not ask clients about tobacco use. This suggests an opportunity for training and practice modification.

Learning Objectives:
Describe modalities used in practices of acupuncturists, chiropractors and massage therapists Describe prior tobacco cessation training rates and types of acupuncturists, chiropractors and massage therapists Articulate tobacco assessment practices of acupuncturists, chiropractors and massage therapists

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I analyzed the survey data and wrote the summary report and abstract.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.