Use and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine among university students: The role of gender and race

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed gender, race, use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), attitudes toward CAM, and disclosure of CAM use to health providers using an online survey of 506 students at a regional public university. Methods: Ordinary least squares regression models were used to examine relationships of interest, including use, attitudes, and disclosure of CAM by self-identified gender and race. Results: The most common therapy reported included vitamins and mineral supplements, and participants of all racial and gender identities expressed generally positive attitudes toward CAM. Women reported using CAM significantly more often than men, and Whites more often than non-Whites. Conclusions: White respondents were more likely to disclose the use of CAM to healthcare providers compared to African American respondents, and women reported disclosure more often than men. A significant interaction between gender and race was noted for attitudes toward CAM for Whites and African Americans, with White women most positive toward CAM.

Keywords:

• Complementary and alternative medicine
• gender
• intersectionality
• race

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements of the United States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Western Illinois University.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.