ATTITUDE, BELIEVES AND DECISION OF PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC POPULATION

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is defined as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. CAM is used in pediatric patients for back or neck pain, musculoskeletal conditions, cold, anxiety or stress. The aim of the study is for determination of the pediatric physicians orientation about using CAM therapy in the treatment of pediatric diseases. The data were generated through a questionnaire distributed among pediatric physicians at different medical wards in the Maternity and Children hospital. The data were collected and analyzed so we could detect and describe using CAM in children. The findings from the survey that were filled from about 57 physicians revealed that 70% of them used or recommend CAM for some pediatric diseases, while there were about 30% of physicians limited in prescribing of CAM. The attitudes of physicians toward CAM showed an increased willingness and became much more positive to use CAM to address pediatric care needs.