BACKGROUND: International evidence indicates that caretakers of pediatric leukemia patients are increasingly using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. Such a trend has never been substantiated in the Arab world. OBJECTIVE: Examine the frequency, types, modes, and reasons of CAM use among pediatric leukemia patients in Lebanon. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was utilized to survey (by phone) the caregivers of all pediatric leukemia patients on the rosters of the 2 largest cancer treatment facilities in Lebanon for years 2005-2009. A total of 125 parents out of 175 (71.4%) completed the questionnaire, which included 3 sections: socio-demographic characteristics, clinical information and CAM use details. Data analysis employed univariate descriptive statistics, t-test, and χ(2) RESULTS: Overall, 15.2% of respondents reported using one or more CAM therapies for their child (95% confidence interval: 8.9% to 22.0%). The main CAM therapies used included dietary supplements, prayer/spiritual healing, and unconventional cultural practices (ingesting bone ashes). CAM therapies were used for strengthening immunity (42.1%) and improving the chance of cure (21%). Pediatric users of CAM were 2 years older than nonusers and had been diagnosed with leukemia for a longer period of time (4.76 ± 3.24 vs 3.49 ± 2.38, P<.05). The percentage of males among CAM users was higher than that among nonusers (89.5% vs 56.6%, P<.05). CONCLUSION: Increasing awareness of both caretakers and physicians of pediatric leukemia patients on the effects and risks of CAM therapies is essential should rational, safe, and evidence-based utilization of CAM therapies be achieved.
BACKGROUND: International evidence indicates that caretakers of pediatric leukemiapatients are increasingly using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. Such a trend has never been substantiated in the Arab world. OBJECTIVE: Examine the frequency, types, modes, and reasons of CAM use among pediatric leukemiapatients in Lebanon. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was utilized to survey (by phone) the caregivers of all pediatric leukemiapatients on the rosters of the 2 largest cancer treatment facilities in Lebanon for years 2005-2009. A total of 125 parents out of 175 (71.4%) completed the questionnaire, which included 3 sections: socio-demographic characteristics, clinical information and CAM use details. Data analysis employed univariate descriptive statistics, t-test, and χ(2) RESULTS: Overall, 15.2% of respondents reported using one or more CAM therapies for their child (95% confidence interval: 8.9% to 22.0%). The main CAM therapies used included dietary supplements, prayer/spiritual healing, and unconventional cultural practices (ingesting bone ashes). CAM therapies were used for strengthening immunity (42.1%) and improving the chance of cure (21%). Pediatric users of CAM were 2 years older than nonusers and had been diagnosed with leukemia for a longer period of time (4.76 ± 3.24 vs 3.49 ± 2.38, P<.05). The percentage of males among CAM users was higher than that among nonusers (89.5% vs 56.6%, P<.05). CONCLUSION: Increasing awareness of both caretakers and physicians of pediatric leukemiapatients on the effects and risks of CAM therapies is essential should rational, safe, and evidence-based utilization of CAM therapies be achieved.
Authors: F Naja; M Alameddine; L Itani; H Shoaib; D Hariri; S Talhouk Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Date: 2015-05-27 Impact factor: 2.629
Authors: Ghina S Ghazeeri; Johnny T Awwad; Mohamad Alameddine; Zeina M H Younes; Farah Naja Journal: BMC Complement Altern Med Date: 2012-08-20 Impact factor: 3.659