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

Abstract #64973

Nancy P Gordon, ScD, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Northern California, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, (510) 891-3587, nancy.gordon@dor.kaiser.org and Donna M Schaffer, RD, MPH, Care Management Institute, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, 1 Kaiser Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612.

Data for 6,587 seniors from a 1999 health plan member general health survey (71% response) were used to estimate rates of use of vitamin/mineral (VM) and nonvitamin/nonmineral (NVNM) supplements such as herbs and to identify predictors of use. Analyses used data weighted to reflect the age-gender composition of the membership. The sample is primarily white (80%), educated beyond high school (58%), and in good health (79%). Approximately 83% of female and 70% of male seniors used 1+ supplement in the past 12 months. Among women, 52% used only VMs, 24% herbs with or without other NVNMs, and 7% only nonherbal NVNMs. Among men, 42% used only VMs, 22% herbs with or without other NVNMs, and 5% nonherbal NVNMs only. Approximately 36% of VM users also used NVNM supplements. Gingko biloba (13%) and glucosamine (11%, overall, 20% among people with arthritis) were the most commonly used NVNMs among both men and women. Saw palmetto was used by 20% of men with enlarged prostate. Multiple logistic regression models showed likelihood of any supplement use was significantly greater if < 80 yrs, more highly educated, and believing that health practices had a large effect on health. Among women, likelihood of use was significantly lower among African-Americans and English-speaking Latinas vs. Whites and Asians. Among those using any supplement, NVNM use vs. only VM use was significantly associated with post-high school education and belief that health practices have a large effect on health. Implications for patient education and medical management will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn about the extent of use of different types of nutritional supplements by seniors and how this self-care may impact on medical care
• Participants will be more knowledgeable about methodological issues in estimating prevalence of supplement use for a population

Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Nutrition

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.