Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Pediatric Emergency Department Patients in Singapore

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among pediatric emergency department (ED) patients and perceptions of CAM among the caregivers who administer CAM in Singapore.

A survey was administered in a Singapore ED (June 2016-June 2017). A convenience sample of parents/carers accompanying pediatric patients completed a self-administered questionnaire. The primary outcome measures were prevalence of CAM use and perceptions of CAM.

Parents/carers of 610 patients participated. Four hundred seventy-five (78.0%, 95% confidence interval, 74.5-81.0) had taken a CAM within the previous 12 months and 110 (18.1%; 95% confidence interval, 14.8-21.0) had taken a CAM on the day of presentation. There were no sex differences between CAM users and nonusers (P = 0.691). The use of CAM was more common among preschool children and younger (62.9%). There was no difference in CAM use among those with and without chronic disease (P = 0.878). Vitamins/supplements, cod liver oil, and probiotics were the most commonly used CAM. A total of 0.7% of CAM use was reported to the ED doctor. There were no adverse effects reported. The perception that CAMs are safe was more common among parents or caregivers who had administered CAM (P = 0.008).

Complementary and alternative medicine use is very common among pediatric ED patients in Singapore and is more prevalent than in Australia and the United Kingdom. However, it is not always reported to the doctor. Parents or caregivers who administer CAM are more likely to perceive CAMs to be safe.