Prevalence and predictors of non-vitamin, non-mineral (NVNM) use among ivy league college students

Research suggests that non-vitamin, non-mineral (NVNM) use among the college population is high. The purpose of this study was to: (1) determine the types of NVNM therapies used among a sample of undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional health care students; and (2) test the significance of demographics and social-cognitive constructs as predictors of NVNM use among this population. A random sample of 2553 undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional health care students enrolled at Columbia University completed a web-based survey. Over 74% reported using at least one NVNM therapy in the past 12 months. The most commonly reported NVNM therapies include green tea, herbal tea, aloe, ginger, and chamomile. Graduate, domestic, female, and pre-professional healthcare students were significantly more likely to report NVNM use than their counterparts. Guided by Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, preliminary analyses of social-cognitive constructs suggest college students who have positive attitudes toward NVNM, higher outcome expectancies regarding health care, and more NVNM users in their social network are more likely to be using one or more NVNM therapies. This information is important for universities and healthcare professionals who provide medical services and health education to these students. Recommendations for future research and programming will be discussed.