The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Chinese Canadians: Results from a National Survey

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between Chinese Canadian ethnicity and the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and explores some of the factors that contribute to CAM use among this visible minority group. Using data from cycle 2.1 of the Canadian Community Health Survey (2003), we use multivariate logistic regression to investigate the extent to which CAM use varies among Chinese Canadians and non-Chinese Canadians. Two three-way interactions, which demonstrate how the combination of certain identity markers increases their predictive value within the model, are also examined. The use of CAM varies according to ethnicity, with Chinese Canadians being more likely to use than non-Chinese Canadians. The findings also indicate that cultural factors play a key role in establishing the necessary conditions for increasing the likelihood of CAM use for Chinese Canadians. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for health care policy and program development.