Exploration of the use of complementary and alternative medicine among Turkish children.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study explored the use of complementary and alternative medicine among Turkish children and the factors affecting their use.

BACKGROUND: Estimates of CAM use in children range from 9-70%. Most studies of CAM use in Turkey have focussed on adults. No study has been reported on the use of CAM in Turkish children without specific diagnosed illnesses.

DESIGN: Survey.

METHODS: A questionnaire was completed with the parents of 600 children attending the paediatric clinics of three hospitals in western Turkey. Information about CAM use and factors affecting its use among children and their parents was collected by interview using a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS: A majority of parents (57%) used CAM therapies for their child, with herbal therapy used most frequently (77%). The use rate of CAM was 49% for children with respiratory system problems and 25% for children with digestive system problems. Fifty-nine per cent of parents stated that they used CAM to comfort their children and 25% to support prescribed medical therapy. The most frequent recommendation to use CAM came from one or more family members (55%). Parents who were university graduates, lived in the city, had one child and had used this type of therapy themselves were more inclined to use CAM for their children. There was no reported use of therapies such as chiropractic, naturopathy or acupuncture.

CONCLUSION: There is frequent use of CAM among Turkish children and it is viewed as additional to treatment prescribed by physicians.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Most often, parents do not discuss CAM use with doctors or nurses. Health professionals should routinely ask parents about CAM use and discuss the reasons and expected outcomes of use. Only through such discussion can health professionals understand and respect parents' use of CAM for their children and guide them in their choices.