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Complementary and alternative medicine use in Irish paediatric patients

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Abstract

Background

Although very little scientific data exists on the efficacy and side effects of complementary and alternative medicines, their profile and availability is increasing. Use among Irish children is unknown.

Aims

To determine the nature and prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use in our paediatric population.

Methods

Parental questionnaires were distributed in 13 paediatric settings over a 4-month period.

Results

There were 57% of parents reported using CAM for their child. Use was significantly higher in the 2–4 years age group (34/105, 32%, P = 0.005). The commonest medicinal CAMs used were vitamins (88%), fish oils (27%) and Echinacea (26%). The commonest non-medicinal CAMs used were homeopathy (16%) and craniosacral therapy (14%). Use varied between paediatric specialties, with the highest in neurological patients (23/25, 92%, P = 0.005). Only 13% of parents had informed their Paediatrician of their child’s CAM use.

Conclusions

More than half of the children surveyed had used some form of CAM, usually without their Paediatrician’s knowledge.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Ireland

    E. Low & O. O’Mahony

  2. Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland

    E. Low, D. M. Murray & J. O’B Hourihane

Authors
  1. E. Low
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  2. D. M. Murray
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  3. O. O’Mahony
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  4. J. O’B Hourihane
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. Low.

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Low, E., Murray, D.M., O’Mahony, O. et al. Complementary and alternative medicine use in Irish paediatric patients. Ir J Med Sci 177, 147–150 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0152-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0152-0

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