Complementary medicine use in children: extent and reasons. A population-based study.
This study used a cross-sectional population survey to determine the prevalence of complementary medicine use in children. Some form of complementary medicine had been used by 17.9% of children at least once, and 6.9% had visited a complementary medicine practitioner. Homoeopathy, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine were most frequently used, most commonly for ear; nose, and throat; dermatology; musculoskeletal; infant; respiratory; and emotional/behavioural health problems. Complementary medicine was used mainly because of word-of-mouth recommendation, dissatisfaction with conventional medicine, and fear of side-effects of conventional treatments. Complementary medicine use is widespread in children; professionals should be aware of this, be alert for possible side-effects/interactions, and encourage adherence to effective conventional treatments where important.
Simpson
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N
Community Child Health, Bath.
Roman
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K
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018672:Community Health Planning; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*