Characterization of Health Status and Modifiable Risk Behavior of United States Adults Using Chiropractic Care as Compared to General Medical Care

Ndetan, Harrison Tatandam, B.sc., M.Sc., Characterization of Health Status and Modifiable Risk Behavior of United States Adults Using Chiropractic Care as Compared to General Medical Care. Master of Public Health (Biostatistics), August 2007; 25 pp., 8 tables, 1 appendix, 49 titles. This study characterizes typical conditions of chiropractic patients and explores how chiropractic influences modifiable behavioral risk factors in the U.S. data from the Sample Adult Core component of the 2005 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was analyzed using SAS9.1.2. Statistical analyses included logistic regression, chi squared, and t test analyses. There were 31,428 respondents. Males comprised 43.79%. Those who saw/talked to chiropractors (DC’s), within the past 12 months were 8.73%. Among these 21.37% did not see the general medical doctor (MD). There was no significant difference in the smoking and alcohol consumption status of respondents who saw/talked to DC’s than MDs. DC patients were more likely to be physically active [OR=1.45(1.20, 1.75)] and less likely to be obese [OR=0.74(0.59-0.92)] than MD patients. Patients with acute migraine, neck, and low back pains were more likely to see DC’s but patients with arthritis and chronic conditions were more likely to see MDs.