The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60778

Tracy S Sesselberg, MA¹, Nicola J Gray, PhD², Karen M. Wilson, MPH¹, and Jonathan D. Klein, MD, MPH¹. (1) Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 690, Rochester, NY 14642, 5852734521, Tracy_sesselberg@urmc.rochester.edu, (2) The Pharmacy School, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, England

Background: Herb and nutritional supplement use has increased dramatically in recent years; however, little is known about adolescents’ use of and knowledge of these products. Methods: A national sample of 1281 adolescents ages 14-19 completed an online survey which included questions about their herb/supplement use, and where they learned about herbs/supplements. Data were weighted to reflect the United States population of adolescents. Results: 46.3% of adolescents had ever used at least one of the following herbs/supplements: creatine, echinacea, ephedra, feverfew, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, herbal teas, omega-3 fatty acids, St. John’s wort, soy, valerian, weight loss supplements, and zinc. Adolescents most often learned about these from their mothers (range 44.3%-69.1%). However, adolescents learned about some products elsewhere; adolescents who used weight loss supplements (7.3% of boys, 14.4% of girls) learned about them from friends (29.4%), and from television commercials (28.2%); adolescents who had used creatine (7.8% of boys, 1.6% of girls) learned about it from friends (48%), coaches (35.8%), and from magazines (19.6%). Adolescents who had used ephedra (2.4% of boys, 1.8% of girls) learned about it from magazines (42.3%), the Internet (36.7%), and from stores (34.3%). Conclusions: A large proportion of US adolescents have used herbs or nutritional supplements; mothers are often the key influence. However, the media, peers, and coaches were also important influences for products such as creatine, weight loss supplements, and ephedra. Further exploration may help determine whether these attract more media coverage or whether adolescents feel reluctant to talk to their parents about these products.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to:
• Describe the use of herbs and nutritional supplements by adolescents;
• Describe where adolescents who use herbs and nutritional supplements learn about these products;
• Discuss possible links between the product used and its main information source(s).

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Alternative Medicine/Therapies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
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.