Complementary and Alternative Therapies Used by Patients of Pediatric Dermatology Outpatient Clinics in Turkey: A Multicenter Study

Abstract

CAM use rates are high in children with chronic skin problems, and parents generally prefer herbal treatments. Satisfaction with the results of CAM use is moderate. Parents generally do not share CAM use information with their doctors unless they are asked.

Complementary and integrative health methods used for the treatment of oral mucositis in children with cancer in Turkey

“…No statistically significant relationship was found between the educational status of the parents and the use of CIH in the published study (Turhan & Bör, ). In our study, most of the parents who used CIH stated that they had accepted these recommendations from the parents of other patients (31.1%), whereas the literature has shown that the parents' sources of information were their friends, relatives (Can et al, ; Magi et al, ), and media (Magi et al, ; Top et al, ). There are also studies that have shown that the vast majority of parents take advice from other persons with related disease (Gottschling et al, ) and other mothers (Top et al, ).…”

“…These 11‐item forms were prepared by the researchers based on studies in the literature (Can et al, ; Kurtuncu et al, ; Sanchez, Karlson, Hsu, Ostrenga, & Gordon, ; Top et al, ). The demographic form included questions about descriptive characteristics of patients and parents, including age, gender, educational status, socioeconomic status (income was higher than their expenses/income was equal to their expenses/expenses were higher than their income), child's diagnosis, diagnosis time (months), relapsing (yes/no), and oral mucositis frequency.…”

“…The data collection instruments were prepared by the researchers in accordance with the literature (Can et al, ; Kurtuncu et al, ; Sanchez et al, ; Top et al, ). To evaluate the content validity of the generated forms (the adequacy and appropriateness of the questions and the connection to the subject), the opinions of five faculty members who are experts in the field of pediatric hematology–oncology nursing were considered.…”

“…CIH methods are classified as mind and body practices in addition to the use of natural products (National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health [NCCIH], ). Natural products constitute commonly used CIH ingredients in Turkey (Can et al, , Turhan & Bör, ), whereas natural products and chiropractic/osteopathic manipulations have been found to be the most commonly used methods in other parts of the world (NCCIH, ).…”

“…CIH use is associated with higher parental education levels (Gottschling et al, ; Italia et al, ) and incomes (Gottschling et al, ), and parents take advice from persons with related disease (Gottschling et al, ), friends/neighbors/other mothers (Top et al, ). Parents who thought that the CIH methods they were using were effective (Magi et al, ) would recommend CIH to others (Gottschling et al, ; Magi et al, ), but parents have used CIH methods without informing healthcare providers (Can et al, ; Kurtuncu et al, ; Magi et al, ; Turhan & Bör, ). The use of CIH may interfere with medical treatment, alter the effectiveness of medications, cause adverse effects, and affect compliance with treatment.…”