Table 3 shows the prevalence of herbal medicine use by
health-related measures. The use of herbal medication was
elevated among individuals reporting hypertension, cancer,
arthritis, hip fracture, urinary and bowel incontinence, and
asthma. No association was found with diabetes or stroke,
whereas individuals reporting myocardial infarction were
less likely to report using herbal medicine.
Rates were higher among those reporting any ADL disability
and among those who had to cut down on activities
during the 3 months prior to the interview. The rates of
herbal medicine use were higher among those with poor or
fair self-related health, those with poor life satisfaction, and
those with high levels of depressive symptoms. Herbal medicine
use was associated with the use of OTC medications
but not with the use of prescription medications. Those respondents
who reported 24 or more physician visits during
the year prior to the interview were particularly likely to report
herbal medicine use.