Type of Multimorbidity and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Adults

Abstract

Objective. To examine the association between type of multimorbidity and CAM use among adults with multimorbidity. Methods. The current study used a cross-sectional design with retrospective data from 2012 National Health Interview Survey. Multimorbidity was classified into two groups: (1) adults with coexisting physical and mental illnesses and (2) adults with two or more chronic physical illnesses only. CAM use was measured using a set of 18 variables. Logistic regression and multinomial logistic regressions were used to assess the association between the type of multimorbidity and ever used CAM, CAM use in the past 12 months, and type of CAM. Results. Overall, 31.2% of adults with coexisting physical and mental illnesses and 20.1% of adults with only physical illnesses used CAM in the past 12 months. Adults with coexisting physical and mental illnesses were more likely to ever use CAM (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.49, 1.90), use CAM in the past 12 months (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.52), and use mind-body therapies in the past 12 months (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.16, 1.59) compared to adults with only physical illnesses. Conclusion. Multimorbidity of chronic physical and mental illnesses was associated with higher CAM use.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among US Adults With Headache or Migraine: Results from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey

“…This study found that manipulative therapy was the most frequently used category of CAM among persons with headache/migraine. Insurance coverage for certain manipulative and body‐based therapies such as chiropractic care may account for the higher use of this category as compared with other types of CAM use in the USA . The emerging evidence base for these therapies may also be a contributing factor, with studies of moderate quality suggesting that manual therapies, like spinal manipulation, might be effective in reducing cervicogenic headaches .…”

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Patients: A Prospective Questionnaire-Based Study in an Oncological Outpatient Clinic

“…The study of Huebner et al [4], in which 77% of the participants used CAM, was conducted via an online survey on an internet platform for cancer; the questionnaire could be downloaded by all platform users. As CAM use is associated with young age and female gender [18,19], such persons might also be the patients who commonly use the internet and online platforms. Unfortunately, no data on gender or age was assessed in the study of Huebner et al [4].…”

Sex Differences in the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions

“…Generally, adults use CAM to relieve negative symptoms of illnesses and to improve overall health [ 3 ]; CAM is also used because individuals experience side effects and do not get relief from conventional therapy [ 4 ]. CAM use is influenced by many factors including sex [ 5 – 7 ]. In adults with and without chronic conditions, sex differences in CAM use exist [ 5 – 10 ].…”

“…CAM use is influenced by many factors including sex [ 5 – 7 ]. In adults with and without chronic conditions, sex differences in CAM use exist [ 5 – 10 ]. For example, among adults with diabetes women were more likely to use CAM than men [ 9 , 10 ].…”

“…For example, among adults with diabetes women were more likely to use CAM than men [ 9 , 10 ]. Using data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), one study reported that among adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) a higher percentage of women used CAM as compared to men (52% vs. 44%) [ 5 ].…”