ERIC Number: EJ1414849
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: EISSN-2168-3751
Available Date: N/A
Trends in Complementary Health Approach Use among U.S. College Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analytic Comparison, 2012-2023
Amy Versnik Nowak; Cassaundra Mohawk; Amy Harris; Carrie Warmka
American Journal of Health Education, v55 n2 p137-149 2024
Background: People seek complementary health approaches (CHAs) for a variety of health reasons, and high rates of CHA use among U.S. college students have been reported. Purpose: Based on a 2012 study, researchers assessed trends in college CHA use by conducting an updated systematic review of studies published between June 2011-December 2022. Methods: For eight studies that met inclusion/exclusion criteria, weighted means were used to report CHA use, and changes in CHA use between two time points (2012 and 2023) were determined using Chi-square and Pearson's r. Results: Overall CHA use in the past 12 months was 69.7%, and the most commonly used CHAs were NVNM/herbal medicine (55.8%), relaxation techniques (53%), supplements (42.3%), and yoga (37%). Statistically significant (p < 0.01) increases were shown for NVNM/herbal medicine (+25.2%, r = 0.23), yoga (+19.3%, r = 0.19), and meditation (+10.8%, r = 0.10). Use of megavitamins significantly (p < 0.01) decreased by 19% (r = 0.20), compared to 2012 data. Discussion: Future research on college student CHA use needs to be comprehensive and consistent. Translation to Health Education Practice: Certified Health Education Specialists should study and understand trends in CHA use to educate students on the efficacy of CHAs for whole person health.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A