Background: Little research has addressed the prevalence and predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among undergraduate students. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to: (1) measure the prevalence and type of CAM use among a sample of college undergraduates, and (2) test the signifi cance of select social-cognitive constructs and demographics as predictors of CAM use among a college population. Methods: A random sample of undergraduate students within the Texas A&M University system was solicited via e-mail to complete a web-based survey. Results: Findings show high rates of CAM use. Gender, attitude toward CAM, outcome expectancies regarding the health care encounter, and social network use of CAM were shown to be signifi cant predictors of CAM use. Discussion: CAM use is popular among college students. Results from this study can inform health care and health education professionals interested in improving health care processes and addressing positive and negative issues related to CAM use. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health educators should be prepared to present CAM as health care options and discuss benefi ts and risks associated with CAM therapies. Researchers should continue to explore the psychosocial determinants of CAM use as a guide for health education and intervention.

Background: Obesity prevention efforts typically involve changing eating and exercise behaviors as well as the physical and social environment in which those behaviors occur. Due to existing social networks, worksites are a logical choice for implementing such interventions. Purpose: This article describes the development and implementation of a peer helper intervention, which was part of a multicomponent obesity prevention program conducted at a hospital worksite. It also presents qualitative evaluation findings of peer helper perceptions, roles, and institutional outcomes. Methods: Fifty-one male and female employees were recruited to promote healthy eating and physical activity amongst their peers. They received health and communication skill-building training. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 peer helpers to evaluate this component of the intervention. Results: Findings showed that peer helpers took on many helping roles, became effective role models, and contributed to creating health-promoting social and environmental changes at work. Discussion: We found evidence for synergies between the peer helper component and other components of the campaign and present recommendations and questions related to best practices for peer helper interventions at worksites. Translation to Health Education Practice: Training on the use of peer helpers and the incorporation of peer helper components into interventions is needed.

Ongoing assessment of CAM use can assist administrators and providers to enhance college health services and programs.

Research shows that Americans are using increasing amounts of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and that education is a significant predictor of CAM use. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize key research findings on CAM use rates among U.S. college students and recommend future actions for researchers and health educators. A systematic search sought out peer-reviewed studies that provide empirical data on rates of CAM use among the general college population in the U.S. Findings in 10 studies were reported and compared to 2007 NHIS data. Use of acupuncture, homeopathy, NVNM, massage therapy, healing therapy/Reiki and yoga is significantly higher among U.S. college samples than the general U.S. adult sample with NVNM and massage therapy showing small effect sizes (d>.20, r>.10). Future research must address the limitations of previous studies. Health education efforts are needed to prepare college students for making informed decisions regarding CAM use. Health educators can incorporate CAM topics into curricula, distribute CAM literature, organize campus-wide presentations, and include CAM providers in health fairs. Health educators should be prepared to discuss CAM safety and efficacy with students and provide referrals to reputable CAM providers. Nowak ALV, Hale HM. Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use among US college students: a systematic review.

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