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Identifying Independent and Dependent Variables on the article

Effects of Use of Alternative Therapies on Quality of Life and Healthcare Spending

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Identifying Independent and Dependent Variables on the article

Effects of Use of Alternative Therapies on Quality of Life and Healthcare Spending

Osteoarthritis (OA , a very costly disease , is the sixth leading cause of disability in developed countries and it also affects many other citizens in different parts of the globe thereby making it one of the

br most common cause of patient morbidity and mortality (Zhang et al 2007 . Problems on healthcare costs for osteoarthritis has prompted affected individuals to settle for alternative medicines instead of formal hospital practices . In relation to this , the objective of this was to investigate and describe the utilization pattern of alternative medicines by Chinese osteoarthritis patients in Hong Kong and its effects on the quality of life and healthcare spending of this population (Zhang et al , 2007 . The hypothesis here is that the preference for alternative medicine might be a less costly anesthetic and a more effective option for OA patients . Specific research questions involved are the following : What are the effects of alternative medicine for OA patients and do these results outweigh the medical achievements from hospital medications ? Are alternative medicines more cost-effective in terms of personal healthcare spending and out-of-packet payments Does alternative medicine use result to fewer side effects ? Should clinicians , policymakers and insurance carriers be alarmed of the...