The use of self-care practices and products by women with chronic illness: A case study of older women with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis

This chapter examines the use of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) self-care practices and products with reference to women with chronic illness. Introducing a case study of women with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis drawing upon the first focused empirical inquiry of a large sample of older women with either of these two conditions the chapter explores the significance of the self-care concept in helping to understand significant dimensions of CIM use and interpret the actions of CIM users. All these circumstances highlight the significance of studying and attempting to understand the complexities of women living with chronic illness in the community with a view to helping inform health services and a health system that can successfully address their ongoing needs and challenges. If a woman indicated taking/using one or more of the self-care health practices or products, she was asked to indicate whether this use was effective.