Relationship between sociodemographic factors and health related behaviors and beliefs among CAM patients

Introduction:  Previous research has shown that there are significant correlations between one’s sociodemographic factors, such as age, gender, education and income, and health related behaviors. A substantial and increasing proportion of the US population visits complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) health centers for treatment of a variety of conditions and wellness care. This study was conducted to determine if the above correlations are similar for patients receiving CAM treatments. This study also examined correlations between sociodemographic factors and health related beliefs, which is an understudied topic.

Methods: IRB approval was obtained to conduct a survey at a CAM educational institution. A survey was administered to patients visiting a CAM University Health Center for the fourth or more time. The survey included questions about demographics and health related beliefs and behaviors. Data were entered into SPSS and correlation analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between these variables.

Results: A total of 137 surveys were included for analysis. Sociodemographic factors examined were gender, age, race, marital status, education and income. Health related behaviors were hours of sleep per night, depression, stress, smoking, alcohol use, diet and exercise. Health related beliefs included good health is most directly a result of healthy habits and one’s health is largely determined by achieving balance in life.  Chi-square analysis indicated that being female was significantly correlated with getting less than 5 hours of sleep per night and feeling more stressed. Females were also significantly more likely to eat healthy meals and drink less alcohol. The only significant correlation found for age was that patients in the 41-60 years age group felt stressed more often. Patients with lower income were significantly more likely to get less sleep and to be depressed. There was a trend towards patients with higher education or income consuming healthy meals and exercising. There was no significant correlation between any sociodemographic factors and patient’s health related beliefs.

Discussion: The correlation found between sociodemographic factors and health related behaviors of patients at a CAM health center is similar to that found in previous studies of the general population.

Conclusion: Health practitioners working in CAM clinics should be aware of the influence of sociodemographic factors, such as gender, income and education, with unhealthy behaviors. Future studies should examine larger and more diverse groups and other types of CAM providers.