Complementary And Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults United States 2002
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. CAM therapies are used in conjunction with conventional medicine to address a variety of health conditions. In the United States, CAM use is widespread, with an estimated 38% of adults using some form of CAM therapy in 2002. This article explores the use of CAM therapies among adults in the United States in 2002.
What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a broad term used to describe a group of medical and health care practices that are not considered part of conventional medicine. CAM therapies may include acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal supplements, massage therapy, meditation, naturopathic medicine, and yoga. CAM therapies are often used in conjunction with conventional medicine to address a variety of health conditions.
CAM Use Among Adults in the United States
In 2002, the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found that 62.1% of adults in the United States had used some form of CAM therapy in the previous 12 months. This translates to an estimated 38% of adults using some form of CAM therapy. The 2002 NHIS survey also found that women were more likely than men to use CAM therapies, with 44% of women reporting CAM use compared to 33% of men. CAM use was also found to increase with age, with 34% of adults aged 18-29 reporting CAM use compared to 50% of adults aged 60 and older.
Why Do Adults Use CAM Therapies?
The reasons adults use CAM therapies are varied and complex. Some adults use CAM therapies as a way to complement or supplement conventional medicine. Others use CAM therapies as a way to treat chronic or recurring health conditions that have not responded to conventional medicine. Still, others use CAM therapies as a way to promote overall health and wellness, reduce stress, or manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Types of CAM Therapies Used by Adults
The types of CAM therapies used by adults are varied and diverse. The most commonly used CAM therapies in the United States in 2002 were:
- Herbal supplements (19.9%)
- Deep breathing exercises (11.6%)
- Meditation (7.6%)
- Chiropractic care (7.5%)
- Massage therapy (5.0%)
- Yoga (5.0%)
CAM Use Among Adults With Chronic Health Conditions
The use of CAM therapies is particularly high among adults with chronic health conditions. In 2002, the NHIS found that 53.3% of adults with arthritis had used CAM therapies in the previous 12 months. Other chronic health conditions where CAM use was high included back or neck problems (38.5%), respiratory problems (36.4%), and anxiety or depression (34.8%).
Barriers to CAM Use Among Adults
Despite the widespread use of CAM therapies in the United States, there are still barriers to access and use of these therapies. These barriers include lack of insurance coverage for CAM therapies, lack of access to CAM providers, and lack of knowledge about CAM therapies. Additionally, some adults may be hesitant to try CAM therapies due to concerns about safety, efficacy, or interactions with conventional medicine.
Conclusion
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies is widespread among adults in the United States, with an estimated 38% of adults using some form of CAM therapy in 2002. The reasons for CAM use are varied and complex, and the types of CAM therapies used by adults are diverse. While there are barriers to access and use of CAM therapies, the popularity of these therapies suggests that they play an important role in the health and wellness of many Americans.
