202930 Role of spirituality in the use of CAM therapies among adults with chronic diseases in the United States

Monday, November 9, 2009

Crystal Piper, MPH, MHA, PhD , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Institute for Health Disparities, Columbia, SC
Saundra H. Glover, PhD , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Kamala Swayampakala, MSPH , Arnold School of Public Health, Health Sciences Research Core, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Chinelo Amarachukwu Ogbuanu, MD, MPH , Institute for Partnerships to Eliminate Health Disparities, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Larrell Wilkinson, MS , Institute for Health Disparities, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Dayna Anne Campbell, MS, PhD (c) , Division of General Education, Allen University, Columbia, SC
  
Background

There is a considerably large amount of individuals with chronic diseases that utilize CAM therapies. A vast amount of studies have illustrated that empathy, prayer or a prayer-like state of compassion, have a positive impact on individuals with chronic diseases.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics, patterns, and predictors of CAM therapies among individuals with chronic diseases in the United States. This study will determine the role of spirituality among CAM therapy users with chronic diseases.

Methods

This study used the 2002 National Health Interview Survey. SAS callable SUDAAN software was utilized to account for the multistage sampling of the NHIS. Chi-square tests were used to compare demographics between adults with chronic diseases that utilize CAM therapies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the demographic and other predictors of CAM therapies. A propensity score-weighted analysis was conducted to explore the role of spirituality among CAM users comparing to non-CAM users with chronic diseases. Spirituality was defined as: if the respondent prayed for their health or had someone pray for them. A final model at an alpha level of 0.05.

Results

Most adults with chronic diseases utilized CAM therapies because they felt the combination with conventional treatment would help. Spirituality was found to be a predictor for CAM therapy use among adults with chronic diseases (OR=2.08 p<.0001).

Discussion

Findings from this study indicate the use of CAM therapies, and physicians should inquire about the use among their patients, embrace these methods, and consider CAM as management of the disease.

Learning Objectives:
To explain the relationship between spirituality and the use of CAM therapies among adults with chronic diseases. To list the reasons adults with chronic diseases utilize CAM therapies.

Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Chronic Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the primary investigator of the study.
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.

See more of: Special Topics in Alternative and Complementary Health Practices
See more of: Alternative and Complementary Health Practices