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Research Article
Use of complementary and alternative medicine by older patients with arthritis: a population-based study
Article first published online: 6 AUG 2001
DOI: 10.1002/1529-0131(200108)45:4<398::AID-ART354>3.0.CO;2-I
Copyright © 2001 by the American College of Rheumatology
1529-0131a/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=4b71f39689e424fbb0e6725b1c033cc646a4272b "Arthritis Care & Research")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Kaboli, P. J., Doebbeling, B. N., Saag, K. G. and Rosenthal, G. E. (2001), Use of complementary and alternative medicine by older patients with arthritis: a population-based study. Arthritis Care & Research, 45: 398–403. doi: 10.1002/1529-0131(200108)45:4<398::AID-ART354>3.0.CO;2-I
Publication History
- Issue published online: 6 AUG 2001
- Article first published online: 6 AUG 2001
- Manuscript Accepted: 24 FEB 2001
- Manuscript Received: 18 JUN 2000
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Alternative medicine;
- Arthritis;
- Chiropractor;
- Geriatrics;
- Health-related quality of life
Abstract
Objective
To determine the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and to identify factors associated with its use in older patients with arthritis.
Methods
A population-based telephone survey of 480 elderly patients with arthritis was conducted to determine demographics, comorbidities, health status, arthritis symptoms, and the use of CAM and traditional providers and treatments for arthritis.
Results
CAM provider use was reported by 28% of respondents, and 66% reported using one or more CAM treatments. Factors independently related to CAM provider use (P < 0.05) included podiatrist or orthotist use, physician visits for arthritis, and fair or poor self-reported health. For CAM treatments, independent associations were found with physical or occupational therapist use, physician visits for arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and alcohol abstinence. Rural residence, age, income, education, and health insurance type were unrelated to CAM use.
Conclusion
Many older patients with arthritis reported seeing CAM providers, and most used CAM treatments. The use of CAM for arthritis was most common among those with poorer self-assessed health and higher use of traditional health care resources.