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Complementary medicine use in multi-ethnic paediatric outpatients
Nicola Robinson1, Mitch Blair, Ava Lorenc
1Centre for Complementary Healthcare and Integrated Medicine (CCHIM), Faculty of Health & Human Sciences, Thames Valley University, Paragon House, Boston Manor Road, Brentford, Middlesex, UK. nicky.robinson@tvu.ac.uk
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
|February 5, 2008
Summary
Complementary medicine (CM) use in children is higher than previously estimated in the UK, affecting 37% of paediatric outpatients. Parental use and child
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Complementary Medicine Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Complementary medicine (CM) use is prevalent among children.
- Understanding CM usage patterns in pediatric populations is crucial for healthcare providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and key factors influencing complementary medicine (CM) use in a diverse pediatric outpatient setting.
- To investigate the determinants of CM utilization among children in a multi-ethnic population.
Main Methods:
- A parent-completed questionnaire survey was administered to pediatric outpatients.
- Data collection occurred at a North West London hospital from September to December 2005.
Main Results:
- 37% of children in this multi-ethnic population used CM, a higher rate than anticipated.
- Parental CM use and child's health status were significant predictors of use.
- Homeopathy and herbal medicine were the most common CMs; 53% of use was not reported to physicians.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric CM use in the UK may be underestimated, necessitating increased clinician awareness.
- Healthcare professionals should acknowledge parental beliefs influencing CM decisions.
- Further research into CM use in pediatric care is warranted.
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