This presentation will be based on preliminary findings from the first nationally representative survey of CAM use among women living in the United States (N=3300). Booster samples of Mexican-, Chinese-, and African-American women were included in the sample design. All interviews were conducted utilizing Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI), by bilingual interviewers who were fluent in English and/or Spanish/ Mandarin/Cantonese. The instrument was developed by the investigators using a rigorous protocol that included focus groups with ethnically diverse groups of women (Cushman et al., 1999); a pilot survey in New York City (Factor-Litvak et al. 2001) and a series of reviews by professionals in the CAM field. As a result, standard items used by other CAM researchers were supplemented by a number of items relevant to women's reproductive health, as well as to the cultural traditions of the largest Asian (Chinese) and Latino (Mexican) groups in the country. Formal translations and back-translations were performed with subsequent editing and revision. Two formal pretests were conducted in each language, with the investigators and/or bilingual colleagues "listening-in" by phone. In the preliminary analysis we will explore women's use of numerous categories of CAM, both sample-wide and within each ethnic group. We will be able to report on: remedies and treatments used for specific health conditions (including those specific to women e.g. menopause), perceived efficacy of CAM, and costs associated with CAM use. Finally, in addition to ethnicity and acculturation variables, we will identify other socio-demographic correlates of CAM use.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to identify the prevelance of alternative medicine use by women, specifically in different ethnic populations.
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.