Recorded presentation

Dr. Lynda J. Dimitroff, PhD, BSN, RN, Nursing Education, Monroe Community Hospital, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620, 585.760.6281, ljdimitr@aol.com and Paul Dougherty, DC, Monroe Community Hospital, New York Chiropractic College, Monroe Community Hospital, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620.

Older adults’ attitudes about chiropractic: A phenomenological study

Recent epidemiological studies have reported that only approximately 11% of older adults utilize chiropractic care. Beliefs about chiropractic among older adults may be a barrier to their undergoing chiropractic care. Current research has not explored older adults’ beliefs regarding chiropractic care.

While Americans are living longer, many still cope with a host of co-morbidities that directly impact function and quality of life. Back pain is among the most important of these co-morbidities, with 15-40% of older adults living with back pain that causes impairment in activities of daily living. Recent randomized controlled trials have demonstrated positive effects of chiropractic care in patients with chronic back pain, including improved function. The American Geriatric Society lists chiropractic as one of the non-pharmacological treatments for pain in older adults. Many older adults however, do not utilize chiropractic despite the potential advantages of this type of alternative therapy.

Currently there are no studies that have investigated older adults’ beliefs about chiropractic. This qualitative study explores the attitudes of people over the age of 65 regarding chiropractic. Phenomenology, the study of one’s experiences, will be used as the qualitative framework to understand older adults’ beliefs prior to undergoing chiropractic care and after undergoing chiropractic care. Data will be collected through in-depth interviews. Data will be coded, emergent themes identified, and conclusions made. The themes that emerge during data analysis and major findings will be presented.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, participants will be able to

• describe older adults' experiences about chiropractic prior to undergoing chiropractic care;
• describe older adults' experiences about chiropractic after undergoing chiropractic care; and,
• identify possible barriers to chiropractic care in older adults.

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.

Recorded presentation