Age-related differences in the conventional health care-complementary and alternative medicine link.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if differences in conventional care among users and nonusers distinct CAM therapies varies by age and ethnicity.


METHODS
The 2002 National Health Interview Survey data with a supplemental section on CAM use were analyzed.


RESULTS
The odds of reporting each level of conventional care were greater for CAM users than nonusers for each type of CAM. There is consistent evidence that associations between CAM and conventional care use differ by age but not ethnicity.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals who use CAM are greater users of conventional care, although these associations hold primarily for young and middle-aged adults. Results suggest that, for most CAM users, these therapies are not being used in place of conventional health care.
Grzywacz
Joseph G
JG
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. grzywacz@wfubmc.edu
Quandt
Sara A
SA
Neiberg
Rebecca
R
Lang
Wei
W
Bell
Ronny A
RA
Arcury
Thomas A
TA
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged