Irish Child Health Database - Peer Reviewed Papers
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Complementary and alternative medicine use in Irish paediatric patients
Published in:
Ir J Med Sci, Vol: 177, Page: 147-50
Publication Date:
June 2008
Aims & Objectives:
This aim of this study was to determine the nature and prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use in our paediatric population
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Although very little scientific data exists on the efficacy and side effects of complementary and alternative medicines, their profile and availability is increasing. Use among Irish children is unknown. AIMS: To determine the nature and prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use in our paediatric population. METHODS: Parental questionnaires were distributed in 13 paediatric settings over a 4-month period. RESULTS: There were 57% of parents reported using CAM for their child. Use was significantly higher in the 2-4 years age group (34/105, 32%, P = 0.005). The commonest medicinal CAMs used were vitamins (88%), fish oils (27%) and Echinacea (26%). The commonest non-medicinal CAMs used were homeopathy (16%) and craniosacral therapy (14%). Use varied between paediatric specialties, with the highest in neurological patients (23/25, 92%, P = 0.005). Only 13% of parents had informed their Paediatrician of their child's CAM use. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the children surveyed had used some form of CAM, usually without their Paediatrician's knowledge.
Authors:
Study Type:
Study Papers » Cross Sectional Study » Descriptive Studies - Without a comparision
Categories:
complementary and alternative medicines
International Classification:
Other - alternative medicines
Keywords:
- Child
- Complementary Therapies/psychology/ utilization
- Female
- Health Behavior
- Humans
- Ireland
- Male
- Parents/psychology
- Pediatrics/ methods/ statistics & numerical data
- Questionnaires
Geography:
Republic of Ireland (Southern (Cork) Ireland)