Factors contributing to the use of complementary and alternative medicine in rural older women with chronic pain in South Korea

AimThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use for managing pain and to investigate the factors predictive of current CAM use among rural older women in South Korea.BackgroundAccess to medical care among older adults in rural areas is poorer than in urban areas.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study with a stratified sample of 139 women aged over 65 with chronic pain residing in rural areas of Jeju Island, South Korea. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data.ResultsMost subjects reported using at least one type of CAM for relieving pain within the past 12 months. Almost half of them reported currently using CAM. Herbs were the most commonly used CAM. Only ‘severity of pain’ was presently associated with an increased use of CAM.ConclusionIt is imperative to take socio-geographic-cultural factors into consideration when planning health promotion programs and caring for clients.