Use of alternative therapies in older outpatients in the United States andJapan: Prevalence, reporting patterns, and perceived effectiveness

Background. The purpose of this, study was to determine the prevalence, pat terns of reporting, and perceived effectiveness of alternative medical ther apies (ATs) among older white American, African American, and Japanese outp atients. Methods. This study used a questionnaire to interview participants (N = 593 ; age, > 59 y), who were outpatients of geriatric outpatient clinics in Sai nt Louis, Missouri, and Tokyo, Japan (white Americans, n = 180; African Ame ricans, n = 106; and Japanese, n = 307). Results. Use of >1 AT was greatest among older Japanese (74.3%), followed b y white Americans, (61.1%)and African Americans (47.2%; p < .001) The most common ATs used among the Japanese (and significantly more than the white a nd African American groups) were lifestyle diet, herbal therapy, massage, a cupressure, and acupuncture. The white and African American groups were mor e frequent users of relaxation techniques and spiritual healing compared wi th the Japanese group. Contrary to prior studies of the general population, the use of >1 AT did not correlate with any sociodemographic variables. Re ported use of ATs to doctors, was low but similar in all three groups (whit e Americans = 48%, African Americans = 42%, and Japanese = 46%). Perceived effectiveness was high but similar in all three groups (white Americans = 8 5%, African Americans = 92%, and Japanese = 84%). Although chronic conditio ns were common reasons for use of ATs, nonmedical reasons (e.g., general he alth or religious reasons) were also common. Conclusions. Use of ATs was greater in Japan than in the United States, but for both countries, use by older persons was greater than previous reports of the general population. Because sociodemographic variables do not predi ct use, and reported use to doctors is low and perceived effectiveness is h igh, increased awareness and understanding about ATs by health care profess ionals seems imperative.