Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

CAM and homeopathy popular with children and adolescents with chronic conditions

The journal 'Pediatrics' has published an article demonstrating that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is high among children and youth with chronic illnesses in Canada. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and patterns of use of CAM in 10 sub-speciality clinics in Canada and to compare CAM use between two diverse geographical locations. The most common CAM products currently used were multivitamins/minerals, herbal products, and homeopathic remedies. The most common CAM practices currently used were massage, chiropractic, relaxation, and aromatherapy. Eighty adverse effects were reported, and 55 (68.8%) of these were self-assessed as minor. The results of this study indicate that CAM use is high among pediatric specialty clinic outpatients. Most respondents felt that their CAM use was helpful with few or no harms associated. Patients want more information about CAM from their sub-specialty providers. Many patients, using CAM alongside their conventional medicines, are still not discussing their CAM use with their primary physicians.