International college students’ perceptions on complementary and alternative medical practices

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the complementary and alternative medicinal (CAM) choices of international college students in the U.S. Participants A total of 192 international college students participated in this study. Methods Participants completed a survey with demographic and background information, such as gender, age, years living in the U.S., country of origin, cultural and religious influences on health decision-making, CAM usage, and the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs Inventory (CAMBI). Results Results showed that there was a significant difference in CAMBI scores and age groups with those in the age groups of 20–29 and 30+ having higher CAMBI scores than those in the 18–19 age group. Participants had high scores on the CAMBI. Conclusion Overall, participants showed a wide range of CAM usage with most participants indicating a need for CAM options on university campuses.