Use of Complementary Medicine Among US Adults with Post-COVID-19: Results from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and type of complementary medicine (CM) use as well as potential factors related to CM use in a representative sample of US adults with self-reported post-COVID-19.

Methods: This secondary data analysis was based on data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey 2022 about presence of post-COVID-19 symptoms and CM use in a representative adult sample (weighted n = 89,437,918).

Results: Our estimates indicate that 19.7% of those who reported having a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection experienced post-COVID-19 symptoms, and 46.2% of those reported using any type of CM in the last 12 months. Specifically, post-COVID-19 respondents most often used mind-body medicine (32.0%), followed by massage (16.1%), chiropractic (14.4%), acupuncture (3.4%), naturopathy (2.2%), and art or music therapy (2.1%). Reporting post-COVID-19 was associated with an increased likelihood of using any CM in the last 12 months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]. 1.03-1.34; P = .014) and specifically, to visit an art or music therapist (AOR 2.56; 95% CI, 1.58-4.41; P < .001). The overall use of any CM was more likely among post-COVID-19 respondents under 65 years old, females, those with an ethnic background other than Hispanic, African-American, Asian, or non-Hispanic Whites, having a higher educational level, living in large metropolitan areas, and having private health insurance.

Conclusions: Our findings show a high prevalence of CM use among post-COVID-19 respondents, which highlights the need for further investigations on effectiveness, safety, and possible mechanisms of action.