Utilization of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine Across Ethnically Diverse Asian Americans.

We conducted an analysis to identify factors influencing the use of traditional complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM), with a particular emphasis on ethnic variations. Using the 2015 Asian American Quality of Life survey (N = 2,609), logistic regression analyses were performed, considering acculturation, health status, healthcare accessibility/utilization, and socio-demographic factors. Ethnicity, specifically being Chinese or Korean Americans, having chronic medical conditions, experiencing unmet healthcare needs, and having regular check-ups were significant predictors of TCAM use among Asian Americans as a whole. However, when we delved into sub-ethnic groups, different patterns were found. Among Vietnamese and Filipino Americans, having unmet healthcare needs emerged as the most prominent predictor of TCAM use. Furthermore, acculturation level and English proficiency were significant in predicting Vietnamese and Filipino Americans' TCAM use, with the direction varying by sub-ethnicity. Being old emerged as a predictor of TCAM use for Chinese, Indian, Korean, and 'other' Americans. Our findings underscore the importance of adopting an ethnically sensitive approach when addressing the healthcare needs of diverse Asian American populations.

Intergenerationology: The Scientific Study of Circular Movement Between Generations.

In this article, we propose a new term, "intergenerationology." Intergenerationology is proposed as a unified term to describe the numerous research and practice models concerning many aspects of circular movement between generations. We define the term intergenerational, with historical context related to research, practice, and policy in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. We also describe how different disciplines have interacted with regard to generations from different yet complementary points of view. Having the term intergenerationology will (a) enable the acceleration and unification of intergenerational studies and practice across disciplines by promoting easy communication among disciplines, (b) encourage more research from diverse science disciplines by giving a name to a popular area of study within them, and (c) provide a recognized term for researchers and practitioners to define their specific teaching, practice, and research interests.

Ethnoracial Disparities in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Brief Report.

Despite the well-identified vulnerability of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unclear about their experiences with COVID-related posttraumatic stress disorder symptomology (COVID-PTSD). This study examined ethnoracial disparities in the level of, and factors associated with, COVID-PTSD using a national data set, including 1926 Whites and 488 ethnoracial minorities. Results showed that ethnoracial minorities reported a greater COVID-PTSD than Whites. COVID-related distress was the common risk factor of COVID-PTSD for the both groups. Being a female and greater social support were associated with COVID-PTSD only for Whites, whereas higher education, greater IADL and fewer ADL limitations were associated with COVID-PTSD for ethnoracial minorities. The findings provided preliminary, but generalizable understanding of ethnoracial disparities in COVID-PTSD, among the Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65.

Alzheimer's Caregivers' Experience With and Perceptions of the Affordable Care Act: Thematic Analysis of Online Discussion Forums.

The objective of this study was to analyze caregivers' authentic perceptions of and experiences with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This mixed-methods study identified and analyzed caregivers' unsolicited posts on a national online forum. Data posted in 2011 to 2017 were collected. The text-mining thematic analysis method was used to code and analyze 514 caregiver posts. Although many caregiver posts about the ACA had a negative tone, perceptions became more positive over time. Three overall themes emerged: (a) concern about cost implications of placement decisions for care recipients, (b) skepticism about government and health care system support of their caregiving roles, and (c) caregivers' own well-being and concerns about health insurance. Clear and effective communication between policymakers, health professionals, and caregivers is needed to enhance health system literacy. Policymakers, as well as health and social care professionals working with Alzheimer's patients and their families, should be empowered to develop and support a family-centered service system.