The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practices Among Australian University Students

Abstract

A survey of 518 university students in Australia was conducted to gain a better understanding of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use. Results indicated that 81.1% of the students used at least 1 of 24 CAM practices. Top practices were relaxation, massage, herbs, art therapy, and prayer. The most common health reasons for using CAM were stress or psychosomatic issues (i.e., anxiety, allergies, stress, and headaches). Other reasons reflected a positive perspective: lifestyle, availability, and holistic health. Students who did not use CAM cited economic factors as the chief reason. Thus, these results offer further insights into the growing worldwide use of CAM.