Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop a profile of attributes of older chiropractic patients.
Methods: An 18-question survey was distributed to 400 chiropractic patients through 80 different chiropractors’ offices. Descriptive statistics were used to present data.
Results: The majority of respondents were 55-64 years of age (51.8%), female (63.6%), Caucasian (76.4%), living with others (82.1%), never been a smoker (58.2%), and taking 1-3 medications (51.9%). Most respondents were able to walk unimpaired (63.6%), able to care for themselves without assistance (98.2%), in moderate pain (85.5%), and not anxious (70.9%). Furthermore, they were able to drive themselves to doctor appointments (92.7%), reported back pain (76.8%), stated their health status was good overall (55.4%), and were receiving spinal/joint manipulation from their doctor (96.4%).
Conclusion: More than 75% of older chiropractic patients responded that they were Caucasian, living with others, reported no problems with self-care, had moderate pain, drove themselves to doctor appointments, reported back pain, and received spinal manipulation. Respondents appeared to be generally healthy and not frail.
Author keywords: Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Health Disparities; Chiropractic; Geriatrics; Frail Elderly
Author affiliations: Texas College of Chiropractic, Pasadena
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