Characteristics of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use among older adults with asthma

A growing number of asthma patients are using Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Prior studies have not examined CAM use among the older adult population.

Data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS), a national telephone survey, and the Asthma Call-Back survey (ACBS), a survey conducted among BRFSS individuals reporting asthma, were used for the analyses. The study population consisted of 7685 individuals aged 55 years or older with current asthma. The relationship of CAM use with demographic and asthma outcomes was analyzed using logistic regression.

CAM use was reported by 39% (3030). Breathing techniques were the most commonly reported CAM therapy. Demographic factors associated with CAM use include female gender (OR 1.36, p < 0.002), having at least a college education (OR 1.76, p < 0.001), cost barrier to healthcare (OR 1.43, p < 0.001), and living in the West (OR 1.31, p < 0.01). An inverse relationship was noted between income and CAM use. Those who had received an asthma action plan (OR 1.29, p < 0.005), current smokers (OR 1.35, p < 0.02), or impaired asthma control (as defined by symptoms affecting sleep, symptoms limiting activities, and rescue medication use) were more likely to use CAM (OR 1.37, p < 0.001; OR 1.38, p < 0.001; and OR 1.2, p < 0.046, respectively).

A large proportion of asthmatic older adults use CAM. In addition, older adults with asthma who use CAM have decreased asthma control, and further studies are needed to determine a causal role.