P06.19 LB
Purpose: We examined changes between 2007 and 2012 in the use of selected modalities among children who used complementary health approaches.
Methods: Using the Child Complementary and Alternative Medicine supplements of the 2007 and 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), we calculated the percentage of children aged 4–17 years who used selected complementary health approach modalities among all children in that age range who used any complementary health approach. Point and standard error estimates were calculated using SUDAAN, accounting for the complex sample design of the NHIS. Percentages were age-adjusted to the projected 2000 U.S. standard population in order to make comparisons over time. Estimates were compared between years using two-tailed significance tests at the 0.05 level.
Results: The use of non-vitamin, non-mineral dietary supplements (NVNMDS) was the most common approach among children using any complementary health approach in both 2007 (33%) and 2012 (45%); however, the relative popularity of individual NVNMDS such as Echinacea, fish oils and melatonin changed substantially between years. In 2012, among those children who used any complementary health approach, 30% practiced yoga, tai chi or qi gong; this was a 50% increase from 2007. Conversely, use of acupuncture, progressive relaxation and special diets declined among children using complementary health approaches in 2007 and 2012.
Conclusion: We noted increased use of some individual approaches and decreased use of others. Children who used complementary health approaches in 2012 were more likely to take NVNMDS and participate in yoga, tai chi and qi gong compared to similar-aged children in 2007.
Contact: Lindsey Jones, izf4@cdc.gov
