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Utilization of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine Across Ethnically Diverse Asian Americans

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Abstract

We conducted an analysis to identify factors influencing the use of traditional complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM), with a particular emphasis on ethnic variations. Using the 2015 Asian American Quality of Life survey (N = 2,609), logistic regression analyses were performed, considering acculturation, health status, healthcare accessibility/utilization, and socio-demographic factors. Ethnicity, specifically being Chinese or Korean Americans, having chronic medical conditions, experiencing unmet healthcare needs, and having regular check-ups were significant predictors of TCAM use among Asian Americans as a whole. However, when we delved into sub-ethnic groups, different patterns were found. Among Vietnamese and Filipino Americans, having unmet healthcare needs emerged as the most prominent predictor of TCAM use. Furthermore, acculturation level and English proficiency were significant in predicting Vietnamese and Filipino Americans’ TCAM use, with the direction varying by sub-ethnicity. Being old emerged as a predictor of TCAM use for Chinese, Indian, Korean, and ‘other’ Americans. Our findings underscore the importance of adopting an ethnically sensitive approach when addressing the healthcare needs of diverse Asian American populations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social Work, California State University, Fullerton, CA, USA

    Eun-Hye Grace Yi

  2. Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Yuri Jang & Jiaming Liang

Authors
  1. Eun-Hye Grace Yi
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  2. Yuri Jang
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Correspondence to Eun-Hye Grace Yi.

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Informed Consent

Participants gave their written consent before participating in the Asian American Quality of Life study in 2015. The current research used the data afterward.

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The research ethics committee at the University of Texas Austin approved the study.

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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Yi, EH.G., Jang, Y. & Liang, J. Utilization of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine Across Ethnically Diverse Asian Americans. J Immigrant Minority Health 26, 527–538 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-024-01583-9

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