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Characteristics of chiropractors who manage people aged 65 and older: A nationally representative sample of 1903 chiropractors
Author(s) -
Moore Craig,
Luca Katie,
Wong Arnold Y. L.,
Fernandez Matthew,
Swain Michael,
Hartvigsen Jan,
Adams Jon,
Peng Wenbo
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12652
Subject(s) - chiropractic , medicine , odds ratio , physical therapy , confidence interval , logistic regression , low back pain , older people , family medicine , alternative medicine , gerontology , pathology
Objective To examine the prevalence and profile of chiropractors who frequently manage people aged 65 years and older. Methods A national cross‐sectional survey collected practitioner characteristics, practice settings and clinical management characteristics. Multiple logistic regression was conducted on 1903 chiropractors to determine the factors associated with the frequent treatment of people 65 years and older. Results In total, 73.5% of participants report “often” treating those aged 65 years and older. These chiropractors were associated with treating degenerative spine conditions ( OR [odds ratio] 2.25; 95% [confidence interval] CI 1.72‐2.94), working in a non‐urban area ( OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.35‐2.54), treating low back pain (referred/radicular) ( OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.26‐2.40) and lower limb musculoskeletal disorders ( OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.15‐1.96). Conclusions The majority of chiropractors report often providing treatment to older people. Our findings call for more research to better understand older patient complaints that are common to chiropractic practice and the care provided by chiropractors for this patient group.