Discussion networks, physician visits, and non-conventional medicine: Probing the relational correlates of health care utilization

Building from the premise that network ties influence why and how people seek health care, this study examines whether different types of close relations predict two distinct, but overlapping forms of care utilization. To that end, I examine the use of conventional care and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Analyses are conducted with a national sample of older American adults aged 57–85 in 2005/2006 (n = 3005). I find that partnered men who are very likely to discuss health with a partner had a greater number of physician visits in the past year, net of their health status and other relevant factors. Having children with whom health is likely to be discussed was also associated with more visits, as was the presence of non-kin ties. On the other hand, the use of complementary and alternative medicine was predicted not by spousal or other kin-based relationships, but only by having non-kin ties with whom a respondent could discuss health. Results suggest that understanding the relational undercurrents of care utilization requires attention to diverse forms of social relations and to diverse expressions of care participation. •Study examines several types of social ties and two distinct forms of health care among older U.S. adults in 2005/6.•Adults are most likely to discuss health issues with a partner and with other family members than with non-kin social ties.•Among men, being partnered men and discussing health with a spouse is associated with higher rates of physician visitation.•Adults had more physician visits if they discussed health with their children and with non-kin ties.•Adults who discuss health issues with non-kin ties are more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine.