J Agric Med Community Health.  2008 Sep;33(2):181-192.

Utilization and Out-of-pocket Expenditure of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Low-income Patients with Osteoarthritis in a City

• Kam S
• Park KS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common especially among patients with osteoarthritis The aim of this study was to investigate the utilization rate and expenditures of patients who use CAM. METHOD: Two hundred seventy four patients with osteoarthritis were interviewed by a telephone survey. A structured questionnaire about sociodemographic features and type, cost, satisfaction and reason of CAM utilization was used
RESULTS
Among 274 patients with osteoarthritis, 251 patients(91.6%) had used at least one type of CAM during six months. There was a significant difference in sex (female), age (70 years), medical security (insurance), educational level between the user and non-user of CAM. Hyperthermia was the most use. The average cost for CAM utilization was 120 thousands won/person during six months and there was no difference in sociodemographic features among the out-of-pocket cost of users. The scores of satisfaction for CAM use were ranged between 60-70.
CONCLUSIONS
CAM became a popular source of health care because of elderly and lay referral system. And Korean spent a substantial amount of out-of-pocket money on CAM without benefit. Health care system and professionals should pay more attention to CAM, make a evidence for CAM.

Keyword

Osteoarthritis; Complementary and alternative medicine; Utilization; Expenditures

MeSH Terms

Aged
Complementary Therapies
Delivery of Health Care
Fever
Health Expenditures
Humans
Osteoarthritis
Referral and Consultation
Telephone
Surveys and Questionnaires