Racial Differences in Preventive and Complementary Health Behaviors and Attitudes

Screening tests have been developed for many diseases—the presence of cancer, especially—but are diff erentially utilized among racial/ ethnic groups. In addition to standard medical screening techniques, some patients opt to use Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for prevention and treatment. The purpose of the current study is to examine racial/ethnic disparities in primary and secondary preventive health behaviors, determine diff erences in use of complementary and alternative health regimens, and determine which health a itudes and health self-management factors are associated with use of complementary alternative medicine. If diff erences among ethnic/racial groups in perceived health status, preventive health care behaviors, and use of CAM can be more fully understood, then health professionals will be able to be er tailor health promotion interventions and integrate these factors.