 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Jonathan C. Samuel, MPH1, Linda M. Chatters, PhD2, Minda L. Patt3, Jennifer L. Beebe-Dimmer, PhD4, Kathleen A. Cooney, MD3, and Gary J. Faerber, MD4. (1) The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-3008, 312 938 0736, jsamuel003@md.northwestern.edu, (2) Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1420 Washington Heights Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (3) Urology, University of Michigan, 7310 CCGC, Box 0946, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (4) Surgery-Urology, University of Michigan, 2916 TC, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Research focusing on the potential benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices has increased dramatically in the last decade. However, relatively little is known about the prevalence of CAM use in various populations. Furthermore, determinants of CAM use such as attitudes and beliefs regarding CAM are poorly understood. To address these issues, male patients visiting a urology clinic in a tertiary care setting were asked to complete a short, self-administered questionnaire. Respondents provided information on demographic characteristics, use of a variety of alternative therapies, including vitamins and herbal supplements, as well as questions aimed at assessing their attitudes and beliefs about CAM. Of the 142 male participants, 89 (63%) reported recent use of one or more forms of CAM. The most frequently used CAM modalities were vitamins (58%) and herbal supplements (19%). Thirteen of the 27 men using herbal supplements were taking saw palmetto, which has purported beneficial effects on urinary symptoms and prostate health. Other reported forms of CAM included chiropractic (4%), relaxation therapy (9%), homeopathy (2%), and massage therapy (6%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that older age and higher education were associated with increased use of any form of CAM. Additionally, after excluding multivitamin use, income was positively associated with CAM use. Comparisons between CAM users and non-users also suggest differing attitudes and beliefs. In conclusion, a high prevalence of CAM use was observed among some urology clinic patients; clinicians should be aware of this pattern since some therapies may interact with physician-prescribed treatments.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Health Behavior
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.