Older adults' utilisation of a student naturopathic clinic in Auckland, New Zealand. Issue 2 (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patel, Asmita; Wesseling, Karen; Carruthers, Robyn; Hill, Wayne
• Is Part Of: Advances in integrative medicine. Volume 9:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 115
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Traditional and complementary medicine -- Naturopathic treatment -- Naturopathy -- Older adults -- Client demography -- New Zealand -- Student clinic -- Utilisation; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative Medicine -- Periodicals; Alternative medicine; Integrative medicine; Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2021.07.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-9588

Abstract

Highlights: International research has found older adults tend to seek traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) treatment modalities as a form of health promotion and health maintenance. Little is known about the utilisation of naturopathic treatment of older aged adults in New Zealand. This study has provided relevant information regarding the demographic profile of older aged clients who seek naturopathic treatment in New Zealand, including information relating to symptoms and conditions for which treatment was sought. Information pertaining to the management of polypharmacy within a student clinic was also discussed. Abstract: Objectives: New Zealand has experienced an increase in the use of traditional and complementary medicine treatment modalities, such as that of naturopathy. Limited research exists that has examined older aged New Zealanders utilisation of naturopathic treatment modalities. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to provide a demographic profile of older adults who attended a student naturopathic clinic over a 2-year period. A secondary aim was to identity the symptoms or conditions for which treatment was sought. Methods: De-identified data were collected for 76 older-aged (>65 years) clients, 28 male and 48 female clients aged between 65 and 88 years of age (71 ± 5.8). Results: The majority of older aged clients who attended the clinic, were female, in the young-old age group (65–74 years of age) and identified as being New Zealand European. Treatment was predominately sought for chronic health conditions, such as constipation, chronic pain, and arthritis. Conclusions: The older aged clients in our study were predominately seeking naturopathic treatment for the management of their chronic health conditions.