Use of Integrative and Complementary Practices by the elderly: National Health Survey 2013

Abstract

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of carrying out Integrative and Complementary Practices (PIC) and their relationship with chronic diseases in elderly Brazilians. Cross-sectional population-based study conducted with data from the National Health Survey (PNS/2013; n=23,815). The prevalence of carrying out PIC and the relative frequencies of the referred practices were estimated. Comparisons were made between proportions using the Rao-Scott test with a 5% significance level and prevalence ratios were estimated for the use of PIC, according to chronic diseases. The use of PIC was
mentioned by 5.4% (IC95%: 4.9-6.0) of the elderly. Among these, 62.6% reported the use of medicinal plants/phytotherapy; 22.2%, acupuncture; and 11.2%, homeopathy. Only 6.7% underwent treatment at Unified Health System (SUS). There was a greater performance of practices by women and for all treatments considered (p <0.001); in those with high cholesterol, arthritis or rheumatism, spinal problems and depression (p <0.05). The results measure the use of integrative and complementary practices with national data, pointing to their use in the treatment of the various health conditions that mainly affect the elderly.