The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41387

Robert H Feldman, PhD¹, Brian D. F. Richmond, MPH², and Jie Li, MBS¹. (1) Department of Public and Community Health, University of Maryland, Valley Drive, College Park, MD 20742, 301.405.2519, rfeldman@wam.umd.edu, (2) Academy for Educational Development, 1825 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20009

Research in the US indicates a growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), not only in the general population, but also among college students. However, few studies have examined gender differences, especially among college students. To address this issue a survey of 510 college students (191 men and 319 women) from a large state university completed a questionnaire that examined 23 CAM practices and reasons for using these approaches. Results of the study indicated that a greater proportion of women students (81.5%) utilized CAM than men students (72.8%; OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.08, 2.52) and women used more CAM practices (4.1) than men (2.7; t=4.37, p<.01). Women significantly more than men used CAM to address health issues related to anxiety (OR=2.82, 95% CI=1.93, 4.13) and stress (OR=2.20, 95% CI=1.52, 3.20). The CAM practices that they utilized significantly more than men included relaxation techniques (women-44.8% vs. men-31.4%; OR=1.77, 95% CI=1.22, 2.59), massage therapy (women-27.0% vs. men-16.2%; OR=1.91, 95% CI=1.21, 3.01) and yoga (women-8.5% vs. men-2.1%; OR=4.32, 95% CI=1.49, 12.55). Women significantly more than men utilized CAM because they viewed CAM as having "fewer side effects" (OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.03, 3.15), "more caring" (OR=3.03, 95% CI=1.31, 7.00) and an "holistic approach" (OR=2.19, 95% CI=1.15, 4.18). Thus, the study indicates that women, more likely than men students, are seeking CAM, not only in general, but specifically for stress and anxiety. They view CAM as a milder alternative to conventional medicine, as an approach that is more caring and with fewer side effects.

Learning Objectives:

• List the CAM practices preferred by women college students.
• List the health issues women college chose for using CAM.
• List the general reasons why women college use CAM more than men college students.

Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, College Students

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.