This project, funded for two years plus a one year no-cost extension, was designed to assess the use of complementary and alternative medicine among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White adults in the Albuquerque area who have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia. The project is sponsored through the UNM Prevention Research Center (PRC ), and the investigators are affiliated with the Department of Internal Medicine.

The University of North Carolina Thurston Arthritis Research Center conducted a similar study with multicultural adults in North Carolina. To share information about project details, the UNM Project co-sponsored a meeting in August 2001, with University of North Carolina researchers and CDC project officers.

Four focus groups were held during Spring 2001 to assist with the survey development. A literature review was then conducted, and the survey was developed and tested with a series of pilot interviews in August 2001. Using the pilot test results, a fully-developed survey was prepared, and 884 adults in the Albuquerque area were interviewed in person during September 2001 through August 2002. In addition, a literature review was completed of CAM use among adults with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and ethnic/cultural variations in use and beliefs. A one-year no cost extension enabled the investigators to complete the data analysis and preparation of articles for publication, to disseminate the results of the project through presentations at national conferences and meetings in 2002-2003. Data analysis continued throughout the last year and a summary report for the participants was completed in September 2003. A written summary to the CDC and other organizations was completed in November 2003. Three manuscripts were prepared during the last year.

For more information about this project, please contact Peg Allen, (505) 272-0823 or pallen@nmtr.unm.edu.