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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
4196.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 2:50 PM

Abstract #103403

College student use of complementary and alternative medicine

Amy L. Versnik Nowak, MA and Steve Dorman, PhD. Division of Health Education, Texas A&M University, TAMU 4243, College Station, TX 77843-4243, 979-862-8574, avers@hlkn.tamu.edu

Research regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among various populations is needed to understand trends of its use. Previous studies have demonstrated education is a significant determinant of CAM use, suggesting college students are likely CAM users. Little research has addressed prevalence and predictors of CAM use among this population. The purpose of this study was to: (1) measure the frequency and type of CAM use among a sample of college undergraduates; and (2) test the significance of attitudes toward CAM, social-cognitive constructs, and demographics as predictors of CAM use among this population. A random sample of 345 undergraduate students within the Texas A&M University System completed a web-based survey. Over 72% reported using at least one CAM therapy during their life. Since beginning college, 69.9% have used prayer for health reasons, 21.4% have dieted, 37.4% have used supplements, and 53.9% have used at least one CAM therapy. Participants demonstrated a positive attitude toward CAM. Preliminary findings suggest people who have positive attitudes toward CAM, higher outcome expectancies regarding health care, and more CAM users in their social network are more likely to be CAM users. Findings suggest gender, undergraduate classification, and ethnicity, are significant predictors of CAM use. This information is important for health professionals who want to understand why college students choose CAM and how to enable students to make better health care decisions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants in this session will be able to

    Keywords: College Students, Health Behavior

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

    Growing Prevalence of Alternative and Complementary Health Practices: Challenges and Opportunities for Professionals and Consumers

    The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA