title: Factors contributing to the use of complementary and alternative medicine in rural older women with chronic pain in South Korea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use for managing pain and to investigate the factors predictive of current CAM use among rural older women in South Korea.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Access to medical care among older adults in rural areas is poorer than in urban areas.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional descriptive study with a stratified sample of 139 women aged over 65 with chronic pain residing in rural areas of Jeju Island, South Korea. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most subjects reported using at least one type of CAM for relieving pain within the past 12 months. Almost half of them reported currently using CAM. Herbs were the most commonly used CAM. Only 'severity of pain' was presently associated with an increased use of CAM.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is imperative to take socio-geographic-cultural factors into consideration when planning health promotion programs and caring for clients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Adult and Elderly Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Florida, HPNP Complex, P.O. Box 100187, Gainesville, FL 32610-0187, USA. Electronic address: yoon@ufl.edu.
authors.forename: Saunjoo L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.forename: Jeong-Hee
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012424:Rural Population
keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine; Korea; Older women; Pain; Rural