Use of complementary and alternative medicines in people with depression and central obesity: Findings from a Tai Chi and Qigong study

Objective: Depression is a global and growing health issue. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use is common among people with depression. We examined the baseline use of CAM (products, not services) in centrally obese adults with depression, a specific and increasingly important population who were part of a trial of Tai Chi and Qigong for depression. Methods: Self-reported use of CAM products (four major groups: vitamins, herbal medicines, mineral supplements and purified chemicals as nutritional supplements) together with demographic, lifestyle and health status characteristics were collected using validated questions within a written survey. We used descriptive statistics to understand patterns of use. Results: Two hundred and sixty patients participated in the assessment. Half of the patients stated they were using CAM, on average reporting 2.3 CAM per patient. Women were more likely than men, and older people (>60 years) more likely than younger people (