Health, psycho-social and cultural determinants of medication use by Chinese-Canadian older persons

Variations in health and medication use exist across cultures. Medication use among Chinese-Canadian older persons is complicated by many factors including combined use of Western and traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). There is little research on health, psycho-social and cultural determinants of medication use in the Chinese. A cross-sectional census study of community-based Chinese-Canadian older persons in the Kitchener/Waterloo area was conducted using the Minimum Data Set for Home Care and a supplementary questionnaire for cultural issues. The response rate was 89.1 per cent with 106 participants using face-to-face assessments. Socio-demographic and cultural variables were summarized. The multivariate logistic model for TCM use included pain symptoms and being hospitalized, and a curvilinear association between TCM use and health beliefs. For combined medicine use, living with a child, pain symptoms, hospitalization, and social isolation problems were the main effects. Living with a child, physical health problems and number of diseases were associated with Western medicine use. Health, psycho-social and cultural factors were significant determinants for medication use. Education programs for both Chinese-Canadian older persons and health care providers are necessary to understand the appropriate use of Western and TCM treatments.