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Report On Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Posted on: 11/15/2007
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Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the use of nontraditional means of healing. This could range from massage to acupuncture to hypnosis. In this study, use of CAM was compared between two groups of arthritis sufferers living in the Chicago area.
Patients from North Chicago (primarily white or Caucasian) were compared to patients from the South Chicago (African Americans) area. All reported chronic joint symptoms.
These two groups are very different in race, culture, and basic demographics. Demographics refer to social characteristics such as age, marital status, and education or income level.
The North Chicago area involved with this study was mostly an upper middle class white group. The South Chicago area group was lower to middle income African Americans. Both groups had a small number of Hispanic/Latino residents.
A telephone interview was conducted to survey use and satisfaction with seven different types of CAM. Categories of CAM included nutritional supplements, vitamins, or herbal therapies. Relaxation techniques, massage, and meditation were also included. Additional groups of CAM included biofeedback, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.
Over half of all patients in both groups reported using CAM for their arthritis. About 20 per cent used two or more CAM therapies. Patients from South Chicago had more arthritis severe enough to limit activity. They were more likely to be taking prescription drugs for their joint pain. And they were more likely to miss work due to joint symptoms.
The most commonly used CAM methods were nutritional supplements, vitamins, or herbal therapies and massage or other relaxation techniques. Adults with education beyond high school were 15 times more likely to use acupuncture, chiropractic care, or naprapathy. Naprapathy is the manipulation of connective tissue.
Overall, it appeared that African Americans with severe arthritis symptoms living in South Chicago were most likely to use CAM. The use of CAM doesn't have so much to do with demographics as it does the intensity of joint pain.
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References:
Joe Feinglass, PhD, et al. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for Arthritis Pain in 2 Chicago Community Areas. In Clinical Journal of Pain. November/December 2007. Vol. 23. No. 9. Pp. 744-749.
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