title: The Use of Melatonin by Children: Parents' Perspectives.
abstract: To explore the perceptions and experiences of parents whose children were using melatonin.
  
  
  
  A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken using face-to-face semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was thematically analyzed via open coding and subsequent axial coding. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation occurred.
  
  
  
  Eleven interviews with parents of children with a neurodevelopmental disorder were conducted. Each parent perceived melatonin as effective in alleviating their child's sleep disturbance, and in restoring family functioning after many years of hardship and stress. The perceived "naturalness" of melatonin was valued by participants, who tended to favor it over other medications prescribed for sleep. The cost of melatonin was also commented on by every participant; however, all perceived the benefits of melatonin for the child and the family to outweigh the cost burden. When discussing the future, some parents were unsure of whether their child would still be using melatonin; however, others were happy for their child to continue melatonin indefinitely. In addition, many parents expressed a desire for prescribers to have greater knowledge about melatonin, and to acknowledge the positive impact melatonin had had on their lives.
  
  
  
  Parents perceive melatonin to be effective in alleviating their child's sleep disturbance and in improving their behavior, as well as restoring family functioning.
authors: School of Pharmacy and Applied Science, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, LaTrobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
authors: Amy Y
authors: AY
authors: Waldron
authors: School of Pharmacy and Applied Science, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, LaTrobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
authors: M Joy
authors: MJ
authors: Spark
authors: School of Pharmacy and Applied Science, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, LaTrobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
authors: Christina M
authors: CM
authors: Dennis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001315:Australia; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D065886:Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D010290:Parents; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D008550:Melatonin
keywords: melatonin; parents' perspectives; qualitative research; sleep disturbances