Utilization of complementary and alternative medicine by parents for their children: a cross sectional study in Ajman, UAE

ABSTRACT

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