The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

3066.0: Monday, November 11, 2002 - 9:24 AM

Abstract #47909

Community partnered research: Use of complementary/alternative therapies in local African American communities

Margaret M. Cotroneo, RN, PhD, Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pa. 19104-6096, 341 Nursing Education Bldg, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6096, 215-898-8293, cotroneo@nursing.upenn.edu, Marina C. Barnett, DSW, School of Social Administration, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 599 Ritter Annex, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6091, Joseph Purnell, Neighborhood United Against Drugs, 1837 S. 56th St., Philadelphia, PA 19143, Danielle Martin, MHS, Southwest Community Services, 6424 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19142, Elizabeth Mackenzie, PhD, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676, and Alfred Fishman, MD, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 1320 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021.

Although previous national surveys have shown an increase in the use of complementary /alternative therapies (CAM) in the US population, racial/ethnic minority populations were underrepresented in these surveys. As a result, a profile of the CAM user as white, female, affluent, middle-aged and well educated has emerged. Representing the mainstream population, these previous studies did not take into account the racial/ethnic minority populations who may have their own healing traditions and who may hold different beliefs, use different terminology and have unique patterns of CAM use. In partnership with community based organizations and community residents, a culturally sensitive survey instrument and protocols were designed and tested to gather data on local African American communities’ use of, attitudes toward and understanding of CAM.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Access and Services,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

African-American Health Care Beliefs and Practices

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA