01.01.09
Approximately 38% of U.S. adults and nearly 12% of children (17 years of age and younger) use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), according to a new nationwide government survey. Comparing data to a previous 2002 survey suggests overall use of CAM among adults has remained relatively steady (36% in 2002). However, CAM therapies, such as deep breathing, meditation, massage therapy and yoga all showed significant increases. This survey marks the first time questions were included on children’s use of CAM. The most commonly used CAM products among U.S. adults were fish oil/omega 3/DHA, glucosamine, echinacea, flaxseed oil or pills and ginseng. Adults used CAM most often to treat pain, including back pain or problems, neck pain or problems, joint pain or stiffness/other joint condition, arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Adult use of CAM therapies for head or chest colds showed a marked decrease from 2002 to 2007 (9.5% in 2002 to 2% in 2007).
Overall, CAM use among children is nearly 12%, or about 1 in 9 children. They are five times more likely to use CAM if a parent or other relative uses CAM. Among children who used CAM in the past 12 months, therapies were used most often for back or neck pain, head or chest colds, anxiety or stress, other musculoskeletal problems and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The most commonly used CAM products were echinacea, fish oil/omega 3/DHA, combination herb pill, flaxseed oil or pills, and prebiotics or probiotics. The survey was conducted as part of the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual study in which tens of thousands of Americans are interviewed about their health- and illness-related experiences.
Overall, CAM use among children is nearly 12%, or about 1 in 9 children. They are five times more likely to use CAM if a parent or other relative uses CAM. Among children who used CAM in the past 12 months, therapies were used most often for back or neck pain, head or chest colds, anxiety or stress, other musculoskeletal problems and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The most commonly used CAM products were echinacea, fish oil/omega 3/DHA, combination herb pill, flaxseed oil or pills, and prebiotics or probiotics. The survey was conducted as part of the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual study in which tens of thousands of Americans are interviewed about their health- and illness-related experiences.