News Briefs
News Briefs
Effect of social factors on women's CAM use differs across racial/ethnic groups
The effect of socioeconomic status (SES) of women on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is not uniform across racial/ethnic populations, researchers stated in a study published in the Winter 2008 issue of Ethnicity & Disease Journal.
Higher SES has been associated with using CAM in national surveys. Researchers at The Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at Columbia University in New York, however, wanted to see if the relationship between SES and CAM use differed by racial and ethnic groups.
Using national survey data, the researchers assessed education and income effects on women's CAM use in four racial/ethnic groups (non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks, Mexican Americans, and Chinese Americans). They controlled for age, health status, and geographic region, and defined CAM use as using any of 11 domains in the prior year.
The researchers found that adjusted effects of SES on CAM use were similar among Mexican-American and non-Hispanic White women. Education had a distinct gradient effect, with each increasing level of education significantly more likely to use CAM. Household income ³ $60,000 was associated with CAM use compared to income < $20,000.
For Chinese-American women, however, socioeconomic factors were not associated with CAM use when controlling for confounders, the researchers say. And although income was not associated with CAM use among African-American women, college graduates were three times more likely to use CAM than those with less than a high school education, adjusting for confounders.
The variety of these findings points to the complexity of understanding the health care choices of Americans, the researchers write. "Other factors, such as culture and social networks, may interact with SES to influence CAM use in minority populations."
Herbal Science International recalls dietary supplements
Herbal Science International and the FDA have informed consumers and health care professionals of a nationwide recall of 12 dietary supplements that contain ephedra, aristolochic acid, or human placenta, as they may present a serious health hazard to consumers.
The FDA regards dietary supplements containing ephedra, a botanical that contains ephedrine alkaloids, as a potential health hazard because the alkaloid raises blood pressure and, otherwise, stresses the circulatory system. These effects are linked to adverse health effects such as heart attacks and stroke. The FDA issued a rule in February 2004 prohibiting the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids because they present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury.
The company is recalling nine products that contain ephedra as an ingredient sold labeled under the following brands: Wu Yao Shun Qi San, Qing Bi Tang (Nasal Cleanser), Zhong Fong Huo Luo Wan (Stroke Revito Formula), Xiao Qing Long Tang (Little Green Dragon), Ding Chuan Tang, Xiao Xu Ming Tang, Feng Shi Zhi Tong Wan (Joint Relief), Guo Min Bi Yan Wan, and Fang Feng Tong Sheng San.
Herbal Science International also is recalling Tou Tong San (Headache Formula) and Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Du Huo Joint Relief), two products containing aristolochic acid. Aristolochic acid is a potent carcinogen and nephrotoxin that can cause serious kidney damage. Finally, the company is recalling Seng Jong Tzu Tong Tan, a product that contains human placenta. Human placenta has been known to transmit disease.
All of the 12 products under voluntary recall are packed in white plastic bottles of 100 capsules, and all lots are covered in this recall action. These products have been sold nationwide in herbal stores, by acupuncturists, and on the Internet.
Many young, middle-aged CAM users are also greater users of conventional care
A newly published study says that young and middle-aged adult users of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) also are greater users of conventional care. The results, however, do not indicate that they are using CAM therapies in place of conventional care.
The researchers sought to determine if differences in conventional care among users and nonusers of distinct CAM therapies varied by age and ethnicity. They analyzed the 2002 National Health Interview Survey data that included a supplemental section on CAM use. They found the odds of reporting each level of conventional care were greater for CAM users than nonusers for each type of CAM. Evidence also showed that associations between CAM and conventional care use differed by age but not ethnicity.
For more information on this study, see the November/December 2008 issue of the American Journal of Health Behavior.
The effect of socioeconomic status (SES) of women on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is not uniform across racial/ethnic populations, researchers stated in a study published in the Winter 2008 issue of Ethnicity & Disease Journal.Subscribe Now for Access
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