Researchers have found that immigrants in the United States gradually relinquish cultural practices and adopt health behaviors similar to native born individuals as they acculturate. Few studies have looked at acculturation and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use, particularly ethnic forms of CAM. This study uses data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey - Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CHIS-CAM) supplement to estimate the prevalence of CAM provider use among Mexican- and Asian-Americans and examine the relationship of acculturation on use. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to predict the probability of provider use based on socio-demographic variables, health status and acculturation. Mexican- and Asian-Americans who have spent more time in the US were more likely to use chiropractors or massage therapists compared to no CAM provider. Both groups were less likely to use ethnic-specific CAM providers with more time in the US compared to chiropractors or massage therapists. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2008.

Complementary and alternative medicine providers Acculturation Mexican American Asian American

risk human middle aged Odds Ratio statistics Confidence Intervals Aged Logistic Models alternative medicine massage Hispanic Americans Cross-Sectional Studies Confidence interval Young Adult United States cross-sectional study Humans Hispanic California Asian Americans male Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation Aged, 80 and over Asian American female Multivariate Analysis cultural factor patient satisfaction prevalence Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article adult migration Utilization Review patient attitude Patient Acceptance of Health Care statistical model attitude to health Manipulation, Chiropractic Complementary Therapies chiropractic