A cross-sectional survey of complementary and alternative medicine use by children and adolescents attending the University Hospital of Wales

2006

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Children and Adolescents

Sample size: 500 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Crawford Nigel W, Cincotta Domenic R, Lim Alissa, Powell Colin VE

Primary Institution: University Hospital of Wales

What is the prevalence of CAM use among children and adolescents with various medical conditions in a tertiary children's hospital in Wales?

There is a high prevalence of CAM use in our study population, indicating the need for pediatricians to inquire about CAM usage.

41% of participants used at least one type of CAM in the past year.
The most common medicinal CAM were non-prescribed vitamins and minerals (23%) and herbal therapies (10%).
66% of CAM users did not disclose their CAM use to their doctor.

Many kids and teens use alternative medicine to feel better, and doctors should ask them about it.

Structured personal interviews were conducted with 100 inpatients and 400 outpatients over a 2-month period.

Potential bias from the interviewers' backgrounds and the self-reported nature of CAM use.

The study may have biases related to the questionnaire design and the interviewers' influence on responses.

The study population was 52% male, with a mean age of 8 years, and 52% had a family income greater than £20,000.

<0.001

95% CI 37–46%

p<0.001

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website