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Research: OLDENDICK and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 45
Abstract
OLDENDICK and colleagues, South Carolina Complementary Medicine Program Baseline Research Team. Institute of Public Affairs, the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29208, USA conducted a population-based survey of complementary and alternative medication usage, patient satisfaction and physician involvement.
Background
With an increasing proportion of Americans using complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), physicians need to know which patients are using CAM to effectively manage care.
Methodology
In this cross-sectional study, telephone interviews were conducted with 1,584 South Carolina adults (ages 18 and older); 66% responded to the survey of demographics, general health, frequency of CAM use, perceived CAM effectiveness, and physician knowledge of CAM use.
Results
A total of 44% had used a CAM during the past year. Increasing age and higher education were significantly associated with CAM use. More than 60% perceived CAM therapy as very effective and 89% said they would recommend CAM to others. Physicians were unaware of CAM use in 57% of their patients using CAM.
Conclusion
CAM use in this rural Southern state is similar to national usage. Users view CAM as effective. Physicians are frequently unaware of patients' CAM use. More research is needed to establish CAM effectiveness and how CAM affects medical care, training, and public health.
References
Oldendick R et al. Population-based survey of complementary and alternative medicine usage, patient satisfaction, and physician involvement. Southern Medical Journal 93(4): 375-81. Apr 2000.
