RACIAL/ETHNIC DIFFERENCES AND THE ECONOMIC OF CAM USE

RACIAL/ETHNIC DIFFERENCES AND THE ECONOMIC OF CAM USE
CRISP

Abstract

Grant Number: 1R03AT002839-01A1
Project Title: RACIAL/ETHNIC DIFFERENCES AND THE ECONOMIC OF CAM USE
PI Information: Name Email Title
XU, KE TOM. ke.xu@ttuhsc.edu ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed study will estimate 3 fundamental economic properties of the demand for CAM, adopting well-established economics theories and empirical studies on mainstream medicine use. In particular, we propose to empirically investigate how racial and ethnic groups respond differently to economic variables in the market using a nationally representative data set. The specific aims are: Specific Aim 1: To estimate the price elasticity of demand for CAM visits, the cross-price elasticity between CAM and mainstream medicine (MSM) visits and the income elasticity (IE) of CAM visits. Specific Aim 2: To establish racial and ethnic differences in the price elasticity of demand, cross-price elasticity (CAM/MSM) and income elasticity. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 1996 and 1998 will be used. The empirical model is derived based on a theoretical economics model of demand for health and health care. The price elasticity of demand for CAM visits estimates how responsive patients are to price in CAM use. The cross-price elasticity between CAM and mainstream medicine visits establishes the economic substitution or complementarity of CAM and MSM. The income elasticity (IE) investigates whether CAM is an inferior (IE<0), necessity (01)good. Ordinary least squares will be used as the analytic tools. The types of CAM to be analyzed include chiropractics, massage therapy, herbal remedies, spiritual healings or prayers, nutritional advice, acupuncture, meditation/imagery/relaxation, homeopathy, traditional medicine, biofeedback training, hypnosis and others.

Thesaurus Terms:
African American, Hispanic American, alternative medicine, caucasian American, health care service utilization, health economics, income, racial /ethnic difference
behavioral /social science research tag, clinical research, human data

Institution: TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIS CENTER
HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
LUBBOCK, TX 794306271
Fiscal Year: 2006
Department: FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Project Start: 01-MAY-2006
Project End: 30-APR-2008
ICD: NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
IRG: ZAT1