Complementary and alternative medicine use among elderly persons: one-year analysis of a Blue Shield Medicare supplement

• Published in: The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences Biological sciences and medical sciences, 2000-01, Vol.55 (1), p.M4-M9
• Main Authors: Astin, J A, Pelletier, K R, Marie, A, Haskell, W L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alternative medicine; Analysis; California; Complementary Therapies - statistics & numerical data; Female; Health Status; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Medicare; Older people; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States
• ISSN: 1079-5006; 1758-535X
• DOI: 10.1093/gerona/55.1.M4

BACKGROUND: Large scale surveys in the United States and abroad suggestthat 35-60% of adults have used some form of complementary/alternativemedicine (CAM). However, no studies to date have focused on predictors andpatterns of CAM use among elderly persons. METHODS: The population surveyedwere Californians enrolled in a Medicare risk product that offers coveragefor acupuncture and chiropractic care. Surveys were mailed to 1597 membersin 1997 and responses received by 728 (51% response rate). Health riskassessment data were also obtained at baseline and 12-15 months followingenrollment in the plan. Multiple logistic regression analyses were carriedout to examine predictors of CAM use. RESULTS: Forty-one percent of seniorsreported use of CAM. Herbs (24%), chiropractic (20%), massage (15%), andacupuncture (14%) were the most frequently cited therapies. CAM userstended to be younger, more educated, report either arthritis and/ordepression/anxiety, not be hypertensive, engage in exercise, practicemeditation, and make more frequent physician visits. Use of CAM was notassociated with any observed changes in health status. Respondents alsoexpressed considerable interest in receiving third-party coverage for CAM.Although 80% reported that they had received substantial benefit from theiruse of CAM, the majority (58%) did not discuss the use of these therapieswith their medical doctor. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that there issignificant interest in and use of complementary/alternative medicine amongelderly persons. These results suggest the importance of further researchinto the use and potential efficacy of these therapies within the seniorpopulation.