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. 2015 Feb 10:(79):1-16.

Trends in the use of complementary health approaches among adults: United States, 2002-2012

Tainya C Clarke  1 , Lindsey I Black  1 , Barbara J Stussman  2 , Patricia M Barnes  1 , Richard L Nahin  2
Affiliations

Trends in the use of complementary health approaches among adults: United States, 2002-2012

Tainya C Clarke et al. Natl Health Stat Report. .

Abstract

Objective: This report presents national estimates of the use of complementary health approaches among adults in the United States across three time points. Trends in the use of selected complementary health approaches are compared for 2002, 2007, and 2012, and differences by selected demographic characteristics are also examined.

Methods: Combined data from 88,962 adults aged 18 and over collected as part of the 2002, 2007, and 2012 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed for this report. Sample data were weighted to produce national estimates that are representative of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. adult population. Differences between percentages were evaluated using two-sided significance tests at the 0.05 level.

Results: Although the use of individual approaches varied across the three time points, nonvitamin, nonmineral dietary supplements remained the most popular complementary health approach used. The use of yoga, tai chi, and qi gong increased linearly across the three time points; among these three approaches, yoga accounted for approximately 80% of the prevalence. The use of any complementary health approach also differed by selected sociodemographic characteristics. The most notable observed differences in use were by age and Hispanic or Latino origin and race.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Use of yoga, tai chi, and qi gong among adults in the past 12 months: United States, 2002, 2007, and 2012
Figure 2
Figure 2
Use of yoga among adults in the past 12 months, by age group: United States, 2002, 2007, and 2012
Figure 3
Figure 3
Use of yoga among adults in the past 12 months, by Hispanic origin and race: United States, 2002, 2007, and 2012
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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