Learning Objective #1: describe the current use of CAM therapies for specific health conditions in a rural population.

Learning Objective #2: compare the use and efficacy of CAM therapies with conventional therapies for specific health conditions in a rural population.

---

The purpose of this study was to survey a convenience sample of residents in a rural Southwest Virginia population, in order to explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies.  A survey of five questions, utilizing a likert scale was developed in order to investigate the frequency of use of these therapies, the conditions for which they were used, the effectiveness as compared to conventional therapies, access and barrers to these therapies.  It was also surveyed whether respondents shared their use of these therapies with their health care provider.  Subjects were recruited in and around Floyd County Virginia, with flyers and tear-off cards posted in a variety of public locations.  Respondents mailed in the cards and were mailed a survey.  The survey instrument was developed using themes identified in a qualitative study of two focus groups from the same area, then refined in a survey of homeowners from this area last year. The previous survey revealed extensive use of CAM therapies for health care in the region.  This study seeks to investigate use of CAM therapies in greater detail. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Radford University.

Participants in the study came from a variety of ethnic, education and socioeconomic backgrounds.  Medical problems listed included bone and joint problems, hypertension, heart disease, depression, cancer, migraines and others.  CAM therapies listed included prayer, herbs, massage, Chinese medicine, osteopathic manipulation, energy therapies and chiropractic therapy.  Respondents often used these therapies in conjuction with conventional medicine. Barriers to quality health care included the cost of visits, cost of effective complementary therapies and the lack of insurance reimbursement for these therapies.  Statistical analysis is being undertaken for spring 2007.