Table 5 Distribution of Median Scores for the SF-12 Physical and Mental Health Subscales, by Category of CAM Use
CAM Category/Conventional Use | Physical Health Median Score (range) | Mental Health Median Score (range) |
|---|---|---|
Body-based | ||
Yes (n = 228) | 44.8 (14.1 – 62.4) | 46.3 (17.8 – 66.4) |
No (n = 623) | 50.4 (12.1 – 64.9) | 50.6 (14.2 – 67.6) |
(p < 0.0001) | (p = 0.01) | |
Alternative Medicine | ||
Yes (n = 64) | 44.9 (18.8 – 60.1) | 44.1 (19.1 – 64.7) |
No (n = 787) | 49.6 (12.1 – 64.9) | 49.7 (14.2 – 67.6) |
(p = 0.04) | (p = 0.14) | |
Mind-body (excluding prayer) | ||
Yes (n = 219) | 44.6 (12.1 – 64.9) | 44.6 (17.8 – 66.4) |
No (n = 632) | 50.8 (12.7 – 64.6) | 50.6 (14.2 – 67.6) |
(p < 0.0001) | (p < 0.0001) | |
Mind-body (including prayer) | ||
Yes (n = 579) | 48.1 (12.1 – 64.9) | 47.3 (14.6 – 66.4) |
No (n = 272) | 51.4 (15.8 – 61.4) | 52.5 (14.2 – 67.6) |
(p = 0.001) | (p < 0.0001) | |
Biologically-based | ||
Yes (n = 220) | 48.3 (12.1 – 64.9) | 44.6 (14.6 – 66.4) |
No (n = 631) | 49.6 (12.7 – 64.6) | 50.3 (14.2 – 67.6) |
(p = 0.36) | (p < 0.0001) | |
Energy | ||
Yes (n = 59) | 41.9 (18.0 – 60.6) | 43.2 (19.1 – 63.4) |
No (n = 792) | 49.7 (12.1 – 64.9) | 49.9 (14.2 – 67.6) |
(p = 0.003) | (p = 0.001) |