DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/B9ND-QK63

Defense Date

2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Elizabeth A. Fries

Second Advisor

Dr. Kathleen M. Ingram

Abstract

Using data from The Rural Physician Cancer Prevention Project, a dietary intervention trial, this cross-sectional, longitudinal study explored predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in a Southern, rural population (N = 375). Participants' dietary knowledge, stage of change, and dietary behavior were examined at baseline and 1 and 12 months after the intervention. More than half the participants (mean age = 48 years; 60% female; 60% Caucasian) reported using CAM. Logistic regression indicated that age, education, ethnicity and trust in physician affect the likelihood of CAM use. Hierarchical multiple regressions suggested that CAM use was associated with healthier fat and fiber consumption at baseline. CAM users in the intervention, unexpectedly, reported decreased fat knowledge 1 month after the intervention, although similar results were not seen later. Among the intervention participants, CAM use was not significantly associated with changes in stage of behavior change or dietary consumption behaviors.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

June 2008

Included in

Psychology Commons

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