Prevalence, patterns, and predictors of meditation use among U.S. children: Results from the National Health Interview Survey.
Claudia Wang, Kaigang Li, Susan Gaylord
Complementary Therapies in Medicine April 1, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.02.004 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMeditation use among U.S. children aged 4 to 17 years increased from 1.6% in 2012 to 7.4% in 2017, based on data from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey. Children with chronic medical conditions were more likely to use mindful meditation (adjusted odds ratio 1.9–3.6, 95% CI [1.0–7.4]). Regularly taking prescription medication was inversely associated with mantra meditation use (adjusted odds ratio 0.4, 95% CI [0.2–0.9]). Children who experienced delayed medical care due to access difficulties were more likely to use spiritual meditation compared to those who did not (adjusted odds ratio 1.7, 95% CI [1.1–2.6]). The authors suggest future studies explore reasons for the increase and potential benefits.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 6,925 |
| Population | U.S. children aged 4 to 17 years |
| Keywords | Children Mantra meditation Mindfulness meditation Spiritual meditation |
| Key finding | Meditation use among U.S. children increased from 1.6% in 2012 to 7.4% in 2017, with chronic medical conditions, prescription medication use, and delayed medical care associated with different types of meditation. |
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to examine the characteristics of various types of meditation use (i.e., mantra, mindful, and spiritual meditation) among U.S. children. Using 2017 National Health Interview Survey, we examined the prevalence, patterns, and potential predictors of meditation use among U.S. children aged 4 to 17 years. Descriptive statistics, Wald F chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression were used for data analysis (n = 6925). Overall meditation use has increased substantially from 1.6% in 2012 to 7.4% in 2017 among children in the US. Children with chronic medical conditions were more likely to use mindful meditation (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.9-3.6, 95% CI [1.0-7.4]). Regularly taking prescription medication had an inverse relation with mantra meditation use (AOR = 0.4, 95% CI [0.2-0.9]). Children with delayed medical care due to access difficulties were more likely to use spiritual meditation, compared to those who did not (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.1-2.6]). Meditation use has rapidly increased among U.S. children within the past few years. Future studies should explore the underlying reasons for this increase and its potential benefits for pediatric meditators.