OBJECTIVE: To survey soldiers, retirees, and spouses about their use and interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. METHODS: We used an anonymous, self-administered survey. RESULTS: Of 291 completed surveys, 81% used one or more CAM therapy. The most commonly used were massage and herbal/food supplements. The most common reasons were pain, stress, and anxiety. In addition, 69% wanted CAM therapies offered at the medical treatment facility (MTF), whereas 24% would pay for the services, and 44% were undecided. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of soldiers, retirees, and dependents are using CAM therapies and most would prefer that they be made available at the MTF. The implications of such high CAM usage within the military suggests a need for nurses and providers to become educated in CAM therapies to better assist patients in making appropriate choices between two very different forms of medical treatment options and for consideration to provide these services within the MTF.
OBJECTIVE: To survey soldiers, retirees, and spouses about their use and interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. METHODS: We used an anonymous, self-administered survey. RESULTS: Of 291 completed surveys, 81% used one or more CAM therapy. The most commonly used were massage and herbal/food supplements. The most common reasons were pain, stress, and anxiety. In addition, 69% wanted CAM therapies offered at the medical treatment facility (MTF), whereas 24% would pay for the services, and 44% were undecided. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of soldiers, retirees, and dependents are using CAM therapies and most would prefer that they be made available at the MTF. The implications of such high CAM usage within the military suggests a need for nurses and providers to become educated in CAM therapies to better assist patients in making appropriate choices between two very different forms of medical treatment options and for consideration to provide these services within the MTF.
Authors: Crystal L Park; Lucy Finkelstein-Fox; David M Barnes; Carolyn M Mazure; Rani Hoff Journal: Complement Ther Med Date: 2016-08-18 Impact factor: 2.446
Authors: Cindy Crawford; Dawn B Wallerstedt; Raheleh Khorsan; Shawn S Clausen; Wayne B Jonas; Joan A G Walter Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Date: 2013-09-23 Impact factor: 2.629
Authors: Martin R White; Isabel G Jacobson; Besa Smith; Timothy S Wells; Gary D Gackstetter; Edward J Boyko; Tyler C Smith Journal: BMC Complement Altern Med Date: 2011-04-11 Impact factor: 3.659
Authors: Javier Iribarren; Paolo Prolo; Negoita Neagos; Francesco Chiappelli Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Date: 2005-12 Impact factor: 2.629