Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Author Information
Author(s): Wiley-Exley Elizabeth K, Mielenz Thelma J, Norton Edward C, Callahan Leigh F
Primary Institution: University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Increased medical skepticism is associated with higher use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among individuals with musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusion
Medical skepticism is linked to increased use of CAM, especially among patients seeing specialists.
Supporting Evidence
- 88% of the sample used some form of CAM for their musculoskeletal disorders.
- Increased skepticism was associated with CAM use in both specialist and non-specialist groups.
- Individuals seeing specialists had slightly lower skepticism scores but used more CAM types.
Takeaway
People who doubt traditional medicine are more likely to try alternative treatments for their joint pain, especially if they see a specialist.
Methodology
Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of patients with musculoskeletal disorders, comparing those seeing specialists and non-specialists.
Potential Biases
Potential misinterpretation of survey questions could lead to inaccurate reporting of CAM use.
Limitations
Income and area of residence were not included in the model, and the study was cross-sectional, limiting causal inferences.
Participant Demographics
Participants were mostly women (77-80%), aged 19 to 97, with a significant portion having some college education.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI [1.01 - 1.70]
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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