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.
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: P Rawsthorne; F Shanahan; N C Cronin; P A Anton; R Löfberg; L Bohman; C N Bernstein Journal: Am J Gastroenterol Date: 1999-05 Impact factor: 10.864
Authors: D R Cincotta; N W Crawford; A Lim; N E Cranswick; S Skull; M South; C V E Powell Journal: Arch Dis Child Date: 2005-09-15 Impact factor: 3.791
Authors: Cleora S Roberts; Frank Baker; Danette Hann; Joan Runfola; Cathy Witt; Jamie McDonald; Mary L Livingston; Jane Ruiterman; Rosemarie Ampela; Okrae C K Kaw; Chris Blanchard Journal: J Psychosoc Oncol Date: 2005
Authors: Salvatore Italia; Helmut Brand; Joachim Heinrich; Dietrich Berdel; Andrea von Berg; Silke Britta Wolfenstetter Journal: BMC Complement Altern Med Date: 2015-03-10 Impact factor: 3.659