Violet Bergman
Research Mentor: Dr. Nikhil Parekh
Mentor Department: Wayne State University, NonUM
Author(s): Not Available
Session: Session 5 (2:00 PM – 2:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 2
Abstract
Integrative medicine blends allopathic medical treatments with holistic therapies, aiming to treat the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – rather than just the illness. These holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, yoga, tai chi, and herbal remedies, support the body’s natural healing process and not only manage disease, but also prevent illness and promote overall health and well-being. The purpose of this study is to better understand how people in various communities and demographic groups learn about and use integrative medicine. Specifically, a review of past research identified a need for further study of barriers to accessing integrative medicine and of community attitudes toward clinician support when utilizing it. Questions surveying these areas were drafted in Qualtrics. The barriers surveyed were financial constraints, lack of information, lack of interest, lack of time, lack of accessibility, and other (with a text box for participants to write in their answer), and community attitudes on clinician support were surveyed through an agree-to-disagree scale. A test survey was first distributed to known participants, allowing for a final revised survey to be developed. This final survey was then distributed via email and text message. Networks of contacts, including family, friends, and peers of the student researchers, were asked to distribute the survey to their colleagues without filling it out themselves in order to ensure randomization. We received a total of 148 responses, which, after data cleaning, resulted in a sample size of n = 77. Using the Chi-Square Test for Independence, our research group determined that there was a significant association between race/ethnicity and level of interest in utilizing integrative medicine, as well as student status and level of interest in utilizing integrative medicine. Based on these results, this researcher developed educational booklets to increase students’ awareness and exposure to integrative medicine at the University of Michigan, aiming to grow the student body’s interest in utilizing these holistic therapies in everyday life.
