Taeho G Rhee1,2, Sarah M Westberg2, Ila M Harris2,3. 1. Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. 2. Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. 3. Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly used, little is known about the reasons for CAM use (treatment, wellness, or both), or the self-reported perceived benefits among US adults with diabetes. In this study we estimated prevalence rates of overall and specific types of CAM, as well as the perceived benefits of CAM, by reason for use among US diabetic adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, which represents non-institutionalized adults with diabetes (n = 3386 unweighted), were used to estimate prevalence rates of CAM use by reason. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the odds of perceived benefits of CAM by reason for use after controlling for covariates. RESULTS: Of US diabetic adults, 26.2% reported using some form of CAM in the past year. Of these, 56.7% used CAM for both treatment and wellness, 28.3% used CAM for wellness only, and 15.0% used CAM for treatment only. Regardless of reasons for use, most commonly used CAM were herbal therapies (56.9%), followed by chiropractic (25.3%) and massage (20.2%). Those using CAM for a combination of both treatment and wellness had a higher likelihood of self-reporting a "better sense of control over their health" (P = 0.011) and "improved overall health and feeling better" (P = 0.014) than those using CAM for treatment only. CONCLUSION: Although CAM may be a promising approach to improving health-related quality of life, future research should address efficacy and patient safety.
BACKGROUND: Although complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly used, little is known about the reasons for CAM use (treatment, wellness, or both), or the self-reported perceived benefits among US adults with diabetes. In this study we estimated prevalence rates of overall and specific types of CAM, as well as the perceived benefits of CAM, by reason for use among US diabetic adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, which represents non-institutionalized adults with diabetes (n = 3386 unweighted), were used to estimate prevalence rates of CAM use by reason. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the odds of perceived benefits of CAM by reason for use after controlling for covariates. RESULTS: Of US diabetic adults, 26.2% reported using some form of CAM in the past year. Of these, 56.7% used CAM for both treatment and wellness, 28.3% used CAM for wellness only, and 15.0% used CAM for treatment only. Regardless of reasons for use, most commonly used CAM were herbal therapies (56.9%), followed by chiropractic (25.3%) and massage (20.2%). Those using CAM for a combination of both treatment and wellness had a higher likelihood of self-reporting a "better sense of control over their health" (P = 0.011) and "improved overall health and feeling better" (P = 0.014) than those using CAM for treatment only. CONCLUSION: Although CAM may be a promising approach to improving health-related quality of life, future research should address efficacy and patient safety.
Authors: Taeho Greg Rhee; Richard A Marottoli; Peter H Van Ness; Mary E Tinetti Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2018-07-09 Impact factor: 6.053
Authors: Charmie Fong; Simon Alesi; Aya Mousa; Lisa J Moran; Gary Deed; Suzanne Grant; Kriscia Tapia; Carolyn Ee Journal: Nutrients Date: 2022-05-30 Impact factor: 6.706