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Adolescent use of complementary therapies
Carie A Braun1, Linda H Bearinger, Linda L Halcón
1Nursing Department, College of St. Benedict/St. John's University, St. Joseph, Minnesota 56374, USA. cbraun@csbsju.edu
Summary
Adolescents commonly use alternative/complementary therapies (A/CTs), but rarely tell their doctors. Herbal medicines and massage therapy are popular A/CTs among teens seeking pain relief.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Adolescent Health Behaviors
Background:
- Growing interest in alternative/complementary therapies (A/CTs) necessitates understanding adolescent usage.
- Limited data exists on A/CT utilization patterns within adolescent populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns of A/CT utilization among a clinic-based sample of adolescents.
- To identify common A/CTs used by adolescents and factors influencing their use.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to 401 adolescents (aged 12-18).
- Data was collected from participants at a Midwest urban adolescent ambulatory clinic in 2002.
Main Results:
- 68.1% of adolescents reported using at least one A/CT, with herbal medicines, massage therapy, and megavitamins being most common.
- Peer and family influence were primary drivers of A/CT use; lack of familiarity deterred non-use.
- Alleviating physical pain was the main health outcome sought through A/CTs, yet only 13.8% disclosed use to healthcare providers.
Conclusions:
- A/CT use is prevalent among adolescents, but disclosure to healthcare providers is notably low.
- Healthcare providers should proactively inquire about A/CT use to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Further research is required to establish representative A/CT use patterns in diverse adolescent populations.