Predictors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Puerto Rico

In 2007, 83 million adults in the U.S. spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), which represents 11.2% of total out-of-pocket expenditures on health care. This is comparable to out-of-pocket costs for conventional physician services and prescription drug use. Patient safety and access issues, financial and cost considerations and the role of CAM practices in health promotion and prevention are primary concerns for patients, providers, insurers, policy makers and health care managers in Puerto Rico as well as in other countries. However, studies on CAM use in the island are non-existent. This paper presents findings from a CAM household study (N=203) designed to examine CAM use patterns in Bayamón, Puerto Rico using a modified version of the U.S. National Health Interview Survey. The purpose of the paper is to identify predictors of CAM use in Puerto Rico based on the sample studied. Results suggest that having CAM health insurance benefit (p=.01), higher family income (p=.03), higher educational background (p=.02), and following a diet plan (p=.01) are predictors of CAM use. Health policy implications are examined. The study is funded by AHRQ.