Factors in CAM Use

Race, wealth and gender all play a role in the use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) in the United States, according to a recent study.

"National studies indicate that CAM use is associated with women, non-Hispanic Whites, and those of higher socioeconomic position [SEP]," the researchers said. "This study explicitly examines whether socioeconomic effects on CAM use mitigate gender and racial/ethnic differences or if these social factors operate independently from one another."

The study was conducted by researchers from the Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Center for Complementary Medicine and Columbia University.

Results showed that socioeconomic position mitigated but did not fully account for the effects of race/ethnicity on all measures of health-care utilization (race/ethnicity remained a significant predictor of CAM use); and that gender effects on CAM use were more pronounced when accounting for socioeconomic position.

"Findings from this study, that race/ethnicity and SEP independently affect CAM use, suggest a need for more nuanced analyses within and between racial/ethnic groups," the researchers noted. "Understanding differences in access to and utilization of CAM would elucidate the role of CAM in contributing to the elimination of social health disparities."