Am J Health Promot. 1999 Sep-Oct; 14(1): 7-15.

Meaning in the use of unconventional arthritis therapies.

Arcury TA, Gesler WM, Cook HL.

Center for Urban and Regional Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27599-3410, USA.

PURPOSE: To determine the meanings that rural adults have for 11 different unconventional arthritis remedies. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 219 adults from a nonmetropolitan North Carolina county. Open-ended responses to questions surrounding the use of 11 unconventional arthritis therapies were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. A variable-based approach was used to analyze and interpret these qualitative data. RESULTS: Several themes were present for the different unconventional therapies. The most extensive set of themes was present for religion, which included faith, transformation, communion, self-help, and spiritual healing. The mechanical aspect of rubbing used in the application of several therapies (ointments as well as turpentine) was also an important theme. Skepticism about the effectiveness of the unconventional therapies was another pervasive theme. CONCLUSIONS: The respondents had a consistent set of meanings about the unconventional therapies that transcended gender and ethnic groups. Understanding the meanings or belief systems of rural adults is essential to the development of culturally appropriate health education and intervention.