Use of Mind-Body Therapies Among Young Adults Aged 18-24 Years: Findings From the 2012 National Health Interview Survey.
Dawn M Upchurch, Monique Gill, Linghui Jiang, Michael Prelip, Wendelin Slusser
Journal of Adolescent Health July 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.03.014 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3,286 |
| Population | Nationally representative sample of young adults aged 18-24 years in the United States |
| Keywords | Humans Health surveys Cross-sectional studies Stress, psychological Life style Sex factors Adolescent Female Mind-body therapies Young adults Stress reduction Mind–body therapies |
| Key findings | About 14.6% of young adults used a mind-body therapy in the past year, with use higher among women (19.1%) than men (9.6%). Higher education, more health conditions, and healthier behaviors were linked to greater use; among women, Latina and black women had lower odds of use than white women. The authors contend that young adults may be underutilizing these modalities and that public health and educational strategies are warranted. |
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the prevalence, patterns, and satisfaction of use of mind-body therapies (MBTs) in a nationally representative sample of young adults (ages 18-24 years).
Methods: Young adults interviewed in the 2012 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed (n = 3,286). Individual types (e.g., mindfulness) and a combined measure of use of any MBT were assessed. Reasons for and satisfaction with use was also investigated. Design-based F tests and logistic regression were used; all analyses were weighted and stratified by gender.
Results: Overall, 14.6% of young adults used MBT in the past year (9.6% of men and 19.1% of women, p < .001). Among men, higher levels of education, greater numbers of health conditions, and healthy behaviors were associated with greater odds of MBT use. Among women, Latina and black women had lower odds of use (vs. white). Higher education, greater mental distress, and greater numbers of health conditions and healthy behaviors were associated with greater odds of use. While both men and women reported stress reduction and general wellness as top reasons for use, men also reported the use to improve athletic performance.
Conclusions: Young adulthood is a critical period in the life course when individuals are establishing lifestyle and health behaviors that can be enduring. Because stress is a persistent problem, and many MBTs can be helpful with management of stress and anxiety, young adult may be underutilizing these modalities. Public health and educational strategies for greater engagement in MBT among young adults are warranted.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Factors Associated with the Use of Meditation, U.S. Adults 2017. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine August 5, 2019
- The Effects of Meditation, Yoga, and Mindfulness on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Tertiary Education Students: A Meta-Analysis Frontiers in Psychiatry April 24, 2019
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