The use of complementary/alternative therapies among children attending an urban pediatric emergency department

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2007 Jan;46(1):36-41. doi: 10.1177/0009922806289307.

Abstract

The incidence of and factors associated with complementary/alternative medicine use by pediatric patients was determined by face-to-face interviews with 602 parents/caregivers of children aged birth to 18 years who presented to an urban pediatric emergency department from February 2004 to September 2004. The overall use of complementary/alternative medicine among children was 15% and more common among children older than 5 years (21%). Families who used complementary/alternative medicine thought results were best when both complementary/alternative medicine and conventional medicine were integrated (P < .001). Most common types of complementary/alternative therapies used were folk remedies/home remedies (59%), herbs (41%), prayer healing (14%), and massage therapy (10%). Complementary/alternative medicine use was significant among the sample of children visiting an urban pediatric emergency department. Pediatricians should inquire about complementary/alternative use in the emergency department, particularly in children older than 5 years and those with parents/caretakers using complementary/alternative medicine themselves.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Complementary Therapies / statistics & numerical data*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Hospitals, Urban
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Logistic Models
  • Parents