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Does Use of CAM for Specific Health Problems Increase With Reduced Access to Care?

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Abstract

The objective of this paper was to determine predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among individuals with specific health problems. Data were derived from the 1998 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). After adjustment for potential confounders, individuals with perceived barriers to obatining care were more likely to use any CAM treatment (OR 2.16), herbal therapy (OR 2.70) and spiritual care (OR 3.99) for a specific health problem. Individuals dissatisfied with their family’s access to care were more likely to use acupuncture (OR 3.43). Dissatisfaction with quality of care was associated with increased use of spiritual therapy (OR 4.74). Perceptions of inadequate access to health care may contribute to utilization of CAM therapies; such therapies in this instance appear to be used as an alternative to mainstream medicine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Health Policy Research, Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Louisville and Louisville VA Medical Center, Louisville, Kentucky

    Christine S. Ritchie & W. Paul McKinney

  2. College of Business and Public Administration, Department of Economics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky

    Stephan F. Gohmann

  3. University of Louisville, Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, 501 South Preston Street, Suite 204, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202

    Christine S. Ritchie

Authors
  1. Christine S. Ritchie
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  2. Stephan F. Gohmann
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  3. W. Paul McKinney
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Correspondence to Christine S. Ritchie.

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Ritchie, C.S., Gohmann, S.F. & McKinney, W.P. Does Use of CAM for Specific Health Problems Increase With Reduced Access to Care?. J Med Syst 29, 143–153 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-005-3002-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-005-3002-x

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