Comparing Chiropractic and General Practitioner Patients in North America
Author Information
Author(s): Hurwitz Eric L, Chiang Lu-May
Primary Institution: University of Hawaii – Manoa; University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
Hypothesis
What are the differences in care-seeking behaviors and health characteristics between chiropractic and general practitioner patients in the U.S. and Canada?
Conclusion
Chiropractic and GP patients are dissimilar in both Canada and the U.S., with key differences between countries and between DC patients who do and do not seek care from GPs.
Supporting Evidence
- Nearly 80% of respondents sought care from GPs; 12% sought DC care.
- U.S. DC patients are more likely to be obese and lack a regular doctor compared to GP only patients.
- Canadian DC patients are more likely to be college educated and dissatisfied with MD care.
Takeaway
This study looked at people who go to chiropractors and those who go to regular doctors in the U.S. and Canada, finding that they are quite different in many ways.
Methodology
Data were collected from a random sample of adults in Canada (N = 3505) and the U.S. (N = 5183) through the Joint Canada/U.S. Survey of Health, 2002–03.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include selection bias due to low response rates and inaccuracies in self-reported data.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to infer causation, and self-reported data may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants included adults aged 18 and older from both Canada and the U.S., with a diverse range of socioeconomic and health characteristics.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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