Use of Complementary Health Practices in a Church-Based African American Cohort

Area of Science:

• Integrative and Complementary Medicine
• Public Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Limited research exists on complementary health practices (CHPs) among African Americans, especially religious individuals.
• Understanding CHPs use and associated health profiles in this demographic is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore CHP use (mind/body practices, dietary supplements) in a large, church-based African American population.
• To identify lifestyle and health indicator correlates of CHP use within this community.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of 1467 African American adults from a church-based cohort.
• Data collected on CHP use, lifestyle behaviors (diet, smoking), and health indicators (physical health, medical problems).
• Multiple logistic regressions used to analyze associations.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of CHP use: 40% used mind/body practices, 50% used dietary supplements.
• Poorer physical health associated with mind/body practice use.
• Meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations associated with dietary supplement use.

Conclusions:

• CHPs are widely used in this church-based African American sample.
• While poorer health linked to some CHPs, users also showed health-conscious behaviors.
• Adapting CHPs for wellness interventions in faith-based settings for African Americans is recommended.