The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57702

Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH¹, Peg Allen, MPH², William C. Hunt, MS², Shirley Pareo, MS³, and Arti Prasad, MD¹. (1) Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 2211 Lomas Blvd NE - ACC 5th Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87131-5306, 505/272-5541, cherman@salud.unm.edu, (2) Epidemiology and Cancer Control, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 2325 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131-5306, (3) Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 2701 Frontier NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131

Objective: To describe the frequency and types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used by Hispanic and non-Hispanic white adults to manage osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia. Setting: CAM use for chronic conditions has increased in recent years. While CAM use among rheumatoligists' patients has been examined, there is little subgroup information on CAM use among those followed by primary care physicians. Method: 884 women and men ages 18-84 with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or fibromaylgia completed an interviewer-administered cross-sectional survey in English or Spanish. A targeted sample of Hispanic and non-Hispanic white adults seen for these conditions in university-based primary care clinics within one year yielded 612 participants. Additionally, 272 volunteers from community primary care clinics and other community settings participated. Results: Half (49.5%) of the 884 participants were Hispanic; 71.8% were women. 63.3% reported annual household incomes under $25,000. 93.7% reported having ever used any type of CAM for arthritis, and 81.9% reported current use at the time of the interview. The most frequently reported therapies currently used included mind/body/spirit approaches (51.7%), nutritional supplements (37.0%) including glucosamine, vitamins & minerals (36.7%) and topical rubs and oils (25.0%). Less commonly used approaches included herbs (16.9%), seeing a CAM therapist (16.6%), dietary approaches (12.0%), yoga or Tai Chi (11.1%), items worn (10.7%), and homeopathy (1.7%). Gender, diagnostic group, age and income influenced types of CAM used. Conclusions: Most Hispanic and non-Hispanic white adults in this study reported current use of CAM in conjunction with conventional arthritis treatments. Funded by CDC.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, the participant will be able to:
• Describe types of complementary therapies commonly used to help manage osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
• Articulate several specific complementary therapies frequently used for these conditions.
• Assess implications for communication about CAM use with conventional healthcare providers.
• Discuss implications for public health practice of common complementary therapy use for rheumatic conditions in conjunction with conventional approaches.

Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Arthritis

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.