Beyond Use: Predictors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Modality Count Among Older Adults in the United States

Abstract

Objective

To identify predictors of the number of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities used among older U.S. adults and examine how sociodemographic, health, and healthcare access factors influence CAM use diversity.

Method

We analyzed 2017 National Health Interview Survey data from 5,804 adults aged ≥65, using negative binomial regression to assess sociodemographic, health, cultural, and access-related predictors of the number of CAM modalities used.

Results

Respondents used an average of 0.31 different CAM modalities. Greater CAM use diversity was linked to younger age, female gender, higher income and education, residence in the Western U.S., psychological distress, financial barriers to medication, valuing culturally sensitive care, and conditions such as cancer and arthritis. Lower diversity was associated with older age, larger households, diabetes, and hypertension.

Discussion

Findings indicate that CAM engagement reflects both proactive wellness orientations and responses to unmet needs, underscoring the importance of culturally sensitive, integrated geriatric care.

Keywords

geriatrics health behaviors social factors well-being alternative medicine

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