Abstract
AbstractMeditation, yoga, guided imagery, and progressive relaxation are promoted as complementary approaches for health and wellbeing in the United States, but their uptake by different sociodemographic groups is unclear. This study assessed the prevalence and 20 year trends in the use of these practices in US adults between 2002–2022. We examined practice use and associations with sociodemographic and health factors in a population-weighted analysis of n = 134,959 participants across 5 cycles of the National Health Interview Survey. The overall use of meditation (18.3%, 60.53 million), yoga (16.8%, 55.78 million) and guided imagery/progressive relaxation (6.7%, 22.22 million) increased significantly from 2002 to 2022. Growth was consistent across most sociodemographic and health strata, however users of ‘Other’ race (comprising 54% Indigenous Americans, Odds Ratios; ORs = 1.28–1.70) and users with moderate (ORs = 1.19–1.29) psychological distress were overrepresented across all practices, and those with severe psychological distress were overrepresented in meditation (OR = 1.33) and guided imagery/progressive relaxation (OR = 1.42). Meditation use has accelerated over time for 65 + year olds (OR = 4.22), people not accessing mental health care (OR = 1.39), and less educated (OR = 4.02) groups, potentially reflecting unmet health needs. Health professionals should consider the extensive use of complementary practices in service and treatment planning and consider their risks and benefits.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Reference80 articles.
1. Kessler, R. C. et al. Long-term trends in the use of complementary and alternative medical therapies in the United States. Ann. Intern Med. 135(4), 262–268. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-135-4-200108210-00011 (2001).
2. Nahin, R. L., Rhee, A. & Stussman, B. Use of complementary health approaches overall and for pain management by US adults. JAMA. 331(7), 613–615. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.26775 (2024).
3. Barnes, P. M., Bloom, B. & Nahin, R. L. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults and children: United States, 2007. Natl. Health Stat. Report. 12, 1–23 (2008).
4. Clarke, T. C., Black, L. I., Stussman, B. J., Barnes, P. M. & Nahin, R. L. Trends in the use of complementary health approaches among adults: United States, 2002–2012. Natl. Health Stat. Report. 79, 1–16 (2015).
5. Clarke, T. C., Barnes, P. M., Black, L. I., Stussman, B. J. & Nahin, R. L. Use of yoga, meditation, and chiropractors among U.S. adults aged 18 and over. NCHS Data Brief. 325, 1–8 (2018).