Nationwide surveys have demonstrated the growth trend of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Unfortunately many of these surveys have underrepresented ethnic groups. In 1999 a nationwide random telephone survey was conducted to identify perceptions and attitudes toward CAM of specific ethnic groups (Caucasian, African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and Other). The survey sought to understand the utilization of CAM services and specifically, what services were used for prevention and/or treatment of a disease or condition. Questions also explored insurance issues, and integration and effectiveness of CAM with traditional medical care. Participants will be able to recognize and discuss many examples of these pertinent issues, including usage, effectiveness, insurance coverage, payment mechanisms, condition specific use, future use, integration with the traditional health care system and ethnic group specific demographic data. Understanding CAM use by ethnic groups has been unexplored territory in the past, thus these results will provide us with a greater understanding to better serve their needs within the present health care system.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1) Understand and articulate 3 aspects of ethnic consumer motivation to use CAM; 2) Describe 3 issues relating to the perceptions of the various ethnic groups on integration of CAM and traditional medicine; 3) Analyze the potential implications this trend in CAM use may have on our present health care system; 4) Describe the present state of CAM therapies based on the ethnic consumer’s beliefs and practices; and 5) List the demographic differences in patterns of CAM use by ethnic group.
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Ethnic Minorities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.