Toward a Segmented Assimilation Model of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among U.S. Adults.

Objectives: This study uses a segmented assimilation framework to examine how immigrant status and race-ethnicity interact to determine use of various forms of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Design: Using the 2007 National Health Interview Survey CAM Supplement, we estimate logistic regressions and predicted probabilities of CAM usage by immigrant status, controlling for race-ethnicity. Disaggregating CAM categories into ethnic-specific modalities, we consider race-ethnic differences in immigrant acculturation to CAM practices. Results: Race-ethnic minorities are less likely than non-Hispanic Whites and immigrants less likely than the U.S.-born to use CAM. Long-time immigrants are more likely to use CAM than newcomers, but acculturation patterns differ by race. Conclusion: Findings suggest the importance of considering the intersection of race-ethnicity and immigration in the study of CAM use, and of considering individual, ethnic-specific CAM modalities rather than broad CAM categorizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]