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QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Aged >18 Years Who Used Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM),* by Selected Diseases and Conditions† and Sex --- National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2007§

In 2007, approximately 38% of adults aged >18 years reported using CAM during the preceding 12 months.
Women (43%) were more likely than men (34%) to use CAM, and men and women differed in their use of CAM
for certain conditions. Women were more likely than men to use CAM for neck pain, arthritis, and anxiety; men
were more likely than women to use CAM to reduce cholesterol.

* A group of diverse health-care systems, practices, and products not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. CAM includes acupuncture; ayurveda; homeopathic treatment; naturopathy; traditional healers; chelation therapy; nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products; diet-based therapies; chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation; massage; movement therapies; biofeedback; meditation; guided imagery; progressive relaxation; deep-breathing exercises; hypnosis; yoga; tai chi; qi gong; and energy healing therapy. Respondents might have reported using more than one type of CAM.

† Respondents were asked: "Did you use (specific CAM therapy) for a specific health problem or condition?" and "For what health problems or conditions did you use (specific CAM therapy)?"

§ Estimates were age adjusted using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and four age groups: 18--24 years, 25--44 years, 45--64 years, and >65 years. Estimates were based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population. Persons with unknown CAM information were excluded from the denominators.

95% confidence interval.

In 2007, approximately 38% of adults aged >18 years reported using CAM during the preceding 12 months. Women (43%) were more likely than men (34%) to use CAM, and men and women differed in their use of CAM for certain conditions. Women were more likely than men to use CAM for neck pain, arthritis, and anxiety; men were more likely than women to use CAM to reduce cholesterol.

SOURCE: National Health Interview Survey, 2007. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm.

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Date last reviewed: 9/4/2008

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