Use of Five Complementary Health Modalities Relevant to Lifestyle Medicine: A 2020 Survey of Northern California Adults Aged 35-79 years.

Abstract

Introduction: Complementary health (CH) modalities can be used as part of a Lifestyle Medicine (LM) approach to preventing and managing chronic conditions.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used data for respondents to the 2020 (N = 6,715) and 2014/2015 (N = 11,112) cycles of a Northern California health plan member survey to estimate use in 2020 of five CH modalities relevant to LM: vegetarian/vegan diet, mind/body stress management techniques (MBSM), yoga/Pilates, massage therapy, and prayer/spiritual practice. Use was estimated by sex and racial/ethnic group (White, Black, Latino, Asian/PI)) for ages 35-64 and 65-79 years and for adults 35-79 years with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, fair/poor sleep quality, and chronic stress. CH use in 2020 was compared to 2014/2015.

Results: In 2020, 53% of adults used ≥1 of these CH modalities, including 8.4% vegetarian/vegan diet, 25.8% MBSM, 23.7% prayer/spiritual practice, 16.5% yoga/Pilates, and 17.7% massage. Sex, age group, and racial/ethnic differences were seen in use of most CH modalities, and CH modality use varied by health condition. Significant increases from 2014/2015 to 2020 were seen in use of MBSM and yoga/Pilates, vegetarian/vegan diet, and prayer/spiritual practice.

Conclusion: There is substantial opportunity to increase use of CH modalities within a LM approach to preventing and managing chronic health conditions.