Abstract
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has steadily increased in popularity in the United States over the past several years. CAM embodies a multitude of medical treatment outlets usually classified in separate categories from standard modern medicine. Most of the CAM literature focuses on CAM use among older populations and as such, little is known about CAM use during emerging adulthood. Health behaviors during this age period are particularly important because many of these behaviors continue through adulthood. The goal of this study was to examine how health-related beliefs, religiosity/spirituality, attitudes towards healthcare, health behaviors, and number of Internet sources for health information were related to CAM use and attitudes. A total of 132 undergraduate students at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth between the ages 18-25 completed a series of self-reported measures assessing these variables. Results suggest that increased CAM usage was associated with lower age, lower rating of mental health, negative attitudes towards healthcare, increased physical symptoms, and healthier behaviors. Additionally, more positive CAM attitudes were associated with higher self-efficacy, a greater sense of religiosity/spirituality, and being a woman. Results are discussed in terms of health, gender, age, and CAM treatment comprehension.