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Patterns of complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM ) use among dental patients
Author(s) -
Kummet Colleen M.,
Spector Michael L.,
Dawson Deborah V.,
Fischer Mark,
Holmes David C.,
Warren John,
Nisly Nicole L.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/jphd.12078
Subject(s) - medicine , alternative medicine , affect (linguistics) , binomial regression , logistic regression , family medicine , oral health , public health , pathology , psychology , communication
Objectives Complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM ) is a diverse collection of approaches used to prevent or treat diseases. The goal of this study was to examine relationships between dental patient characteristics and current usage of CAM therapies. Methods The CAM definition encompassed 24 therapies excluding prayer. Associations and trends in usage were assessed for gender, income, education, and age. Multivariable logistic and negative binomial models were used to identify factors impacting the use and number of CAM therapies used. Results In dental patients ( n = 402), nearly 67 percent of subjects reported at least one CAM treatment. Gender was significantly associated with recent utilization of CAM , biological, manipulative (all P < 0.01), and mind–body ( P = 0.04) therapies, as well as the number ( P < 0.01) of therapies used. Higher education levels were significant in usage of any CAM , biological, and mind–body therapies ( P < 0.01). Conclusion A large proportion of dental patients reported use of CAM therapies. While CAM therapies and those who use them are diverse, given their widespread use, they clearly have potential impacts on the oral health of the public. Knowledge of the characteristics of dental patients who use CAM therapies is a first step in developing a broader understanding how CAM therapies and associated beliefs may affect oral health and public health programs.