Abstract
Research regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been inconsistent despite prevalent CAM use for health promotion and maintenance. Further research to understand the health beliefs and practices of ethnic minorities, and the factors that predict their use, including demographic variables and acculturation, is needed. The current study examined the relationship between predictor variables (e.g., demographic variables, holistic health beliefs, and acculturation) of CAM use and perceived effectiveness of CAM among adults. In addition, help seeking intentions among adults for personal and emotional problems were evaluated. A total of 313 adults from an ethnically diverse sample participated in the current study. All participants reported use of some form of CAM. The use of CAM for treatment of various illnesses and health maintenance was understood within the context of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model. Results indicated that while controlling for acculturation, several predictor variables were significantly associated with CAM use, beliefs in holistic health, and perceived effectiveness of CAM practices. Findings also suggested a relationship between CAM use and help seeking intentions. Implications of the current study suggest that clinicians must possess working knowledge of CAM practices, approach the assessment of CAM and help seeking behaviors with cultural sensitivity, and incorporate cultural or family beliefs about health into treatment planning. Opportunities for community outreach, training, and research are presented. Further, recommendations for future research are discussed.