Prevalence of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use for Musculoskeletal Problems in Puerto Rico

Musculoskeletal disorders and diseases are the leading cause of disability in the United States and account for more than one-half of all chronic conditions in people over 50 years of age in developed countries. The economic impact of these conditions is also staggering: in 2004 the sum of the direct expenditures in health care costs and the indirect expenditures in lost wages has been estimated to be $849 billion dollars, or 7.7% of the national gross domestic product. The role of CAM modalities and practices to treat and manage musculoskeletal conditions is of special importance for patients, providers, funders of health services and policy-makers. The purpose of this study is to describe prevalence of CAM use for musculoskeletal conditions in a pilot community sample (N=203) in a Puerto Rico municipality (Bayamón) using a modified version of the U.S. National Health Interview Survey. Results suggest that 35% of adults living in the Bayamón-Puerto Rico municipality in 2008 used CAM to manage or treat musculoskeletal problems, compared to 17% in the United States. Implications of findings on health care delivery policy issues are explored. The study was funded by AHRQ.