RESUMO
The study aimed to determine the utilization pattern of Complementary and Alternative Medicine [CAM] by parents for their children in Ajman, UAE. This cross sectional study was carried out among parents attending Parent-Teachers meeting at schools in Ajman, UAE. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among the parents after obtaining consent. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics of parent [Age, gender, educational qualification, nationality] and child [age, gender] and details of utilization pattern [type of CAM, route of therapy, indication]. Descriptive and inferential statistics performed using SPSS-20; p value < 0.05 considered significant. Total of 136 parents participated [Fathers 32.6%; Mothers 67.6%]. Their age ranged between 20-55 years. Asians constituted 30.4% and Arab ethnicity 53.6% of total. About 57.2% of the parents were graduates. About 31.2% parents had one child, 30.4%- two children and 38.4% had three or more children. CAM use among their children was reported by 73[53.6%] parents. It was noted that parent who used CAM for the first child 73[53.6%], also reported to use CAM in their subsequent children [2nd, 311 child-7 1[52.2%] each]. Indications for use were gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, fever, and dermatological conditions. CAM therapies used in descending frequency were herbal medicine, dietary supplements, prayer, homeopathy and massage therapy. Based on ethnic groups, utilization frequency was similar among Asians, Arabs and other groups [50%, 53%, and 59% respectively]. Similarly, utilization frequency was similar among parents with school education, graduation and post- graduation [50%, 54.4%, and 53.8% respectively]. CAM was recommended by family members in 48% of the responders. About 47% parents reported good 30% excellent results with CAM in their children. In accordance to previous reports from the Middle East, herbal medicine was the common CAM therapies in the study. Utilization of CAM by parents for their children was similar in different ethnic groups and parents with different levels of education
RESUMO
The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine [CAM] has increased over recent years. Little is known about the parent opinion regarding the use of CAM for children. This study aimed to identify the parent opinion about the use of CAM for their children and the most important source of information on CAM. A cross sectional study was carried out over a period of 12 months, including parents attending Parent-Teachers meeting in the schools in Ajman, UAE. A self- administered validated, pilot tested questionnaire was used as a tool. Informed consent was taken from participants before enrolment in the study. Analysis was performed using the SPSS-20. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics performed [Z test] and p values < 0.05 was considered significant. The study includs 136 parents who are most frequently females [67%], less than 40 years age [54%], Non-Arabs [65%], holding Diploma/ Bachelor or higher degree [76%], and having 2 children [61%]. Although about 79% of the parents reported that it is safe/very safe to use CAM for children [89% of CAM user vs. 28.5% of CAM non-user, z=5.1, P < 0.001], however, about 46% of them are not using CAM, and the most common reason stated was that the modern medicine is more effective [42%]. Family is the most frequent source of information for CAM [57%]. The use of CAM for other children is recommended either alone by 49% [n=66] or to be used in combination with other conventional medicine by25% [n=34] of the parents. Most of the parents reported that the use of CAM for children is safe/ very safe. However, the opinion differed significantly among the parents who used CAM for their children as compared to those who did not
RESUMO
To study the preference, awareness, and percentage consumption of health drinks and energy drinks among University students in Ajman, UAE. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 125 Gulf Medical University Students. Self-administered structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data and statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 11.0. Chi square test was used to detect significant differences between frequencies. It was found that 92% of the students take energy drink while only 8% take health drinks. Among the energy drinkers, 95% preferred the brand 'Red bull' while only 5% preferred 'Effect'. Among the health drinkers takes it regularly at least once a day but energy drinkers take at least 2 cans per day. It was found that 64% of the students start taking health drinks from the age of 3-5 yrs. And more than 92% of students start taking energy drinks from 15yrs onwards. It was also observed that 72% of the students were influenced by advertisements in television and retail outlay. Around 85% of energy drinkers thought that it would enhance their brain development while 10% preferred it due to its taste. 5% thought that it would increase their height. Majority of the students [95%] were ignorant about the high calorie and caffeine content in these energy drinks. From the survey and the data analysis, it was observed that the majority of students preferred energy drinks over health drinks. Students thought that energy drinks can boost their mental energy. One can of an energy drink contain more than 80 mg of caffeine. As a result, energy drinkers may experience adverse effects of overuse like headache, irritability, inability to concentrate, drowsiness, insomnia, etc. It is also important to note that 'Red Bull' had been banned in France for a decade due to health department's concerns about high caffeine and sugar content, glucuronlactone and taurine, an aminoacid the company claims can actively stimulates body metabolism and mental alertness. Therefore, proper health education regarding nutritional benefits as well as adverse effects of energy drinks should be taught to the students at the entry level in the University