Complementary and alternative medicine use among youth with juvenile arthritis: are youth using CAM, but not talking about it?

Seburg EM, Horvath KJ, Garwick AW, McMorris BJ, Vehe RK, Scal P.

Source

Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, USA. sebur003@umn.edu

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To examine self-reported use and correlates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in adolescents with juvenile arthritis (JA).

METHODS:

One hundred thirty-four adolescents with JA completed an online survey of their use of, interest in, and discussions about CAM. The PedsQL 4.0 SF15 assessed quality of life.

RESULTS:

The majority (72%) of youth reported using ≥1 CAM modality. Use did not differ by sex, age, race, or geographic location. The most commonly used CAM modalities were yoga (45%) and meditation, relaxation, or guided imagery (40%). Low psychosocial quality of life was associated with massage and meditation, relaxation, or guided imagery use (p < .05). Only 46% of youth reported discussing CAM with a health care provider. Nonusers were most interested in learning more about massage (79%) and yoga (57%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Youth with JA reported high use of CAM, but few discussed CAM with health care providers. Findings suggest practitioners should engage adolescents in discussions about CAM.
Copyright © 2012 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.