Use of complementary and alternative medicine among Chinese immigrants in New York: Prevalence and its association with trust in CAM providers and other socio-demographic factors

Objectives: The use of CAM by the general US population has been documented increasingly in national surveys, but prevalence and predicting factors are much less known, particularly in immigrant populations. We aim to assess: 1) the prevalence and pattern of CAM use among Chinese immigrants, 2) its association with trust in CAM providers, and 3) its association with marital status, age, level of acculturation, level of English proficiency (LEP), and health insurance coverage. Methods: Cross-sectional data was acquired from B Free CEED Community Survey conducted with 502 Chinese adults in New York City. Bivariate associations were assessed, and multiple logistic regression models included all variables significant in bivariate analysis. Results: Approximately 63% of the population surveyed reported use of at least one CAM therapy. Commonly used therapies included herbal and traditional medicine. A significant association was found between trust in the source referred by CAM providers and use of any CAM (p < 0.001), specifically in traditional medicine (p < 0.001) and herbal medicine (p < 0.001). A significant positive relationship exists between years lived in the U.S. and any CAM use (p < 0.05), and for the use of meditation and relaxation therapies (p < 0.01). No significant association was found for insurance coverage. Other findings on associations with socio-demographic factors will be discussed. Conclusions: CAM use is prevalent in this cohort of Chinese immigrants and use patterns vary by different modalities. CAM use is associated with trust in CAM providers and acculturation, but not health insurance coverage.