Complementary medicine use in children: extent and reasons. A population-based study

This study used a cross-sectional population survey to determine the preval ence of complementary medicine use in children. Some form of complementary medicine had been used by 17.9% of children at least once, and 6.9% had vis ited a complementary medicine practitioner, Homoeopathy, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine were most frequently used, most commonly for ear nose, and throat; dermatology; musculoskeletal; infant; respiratory; and emotional/be havioural health problems, complementary medicine was used mainly because o f word-of-mouth recommendation, dissatisfaction with conventional medicine, and fear of side-effects of conventional treatments. Complementary medicin e use is widespread in children; professionals should be aware of this, be alert for possible side-effects/interactions, and encourage adherence to ef fective conventional treatments where important.