title: Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients presenting to a pediatric otolaryngology clinic.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study sought to quantify and characterize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients presenting to a pediatric otolaryngology clinic with the aim of increasing CAM use awareness for the practicing pediatric otolaryngologist.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four hundred thirty-four caregivers of patients presenting to a pediatric otolaryngology clinic were surveyed regarding their child's use of CAMs. Demographic information, perceived benefits, and sources of information regarding CAM was collected. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess strength of associations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three-hundred and sixty-four caregivers completed the survey (83.9% response rate). The children of 69% of respondents had utilized CAM, and 46% were using CAM at the time of the survey. Higher income and chronic illness in the child were significant predictors of CAM use. The children of older and married parents were more likely to have utilized CAM (non-significant). The most common agents were multivitamins (43%) and vitamin D (32%). Parents whose children used more CAMs were more likely to perceive a benefit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A significant proportion of pediatric otolaryngology patients utilized CAM in our study population. The most commonly used agents are mostly benign, but others may have more unknown consequences. It is crucial that otolaryngologists ask specifically about these agents, as they potentially interact with prescription medications and some may lead to surgical complications.
authors: IWK Health Centre, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors: M Elise
authors: ME
authors: Graham
authors: Maria K
authors: MK
authors: Brake
authors: S Mark
authors: SM
authors: Taylor
authors: Gordon
authors: G
authors: Flowerdew
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Hong
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002170:Canada; D017028:Caregivers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult