Usage and Attitudes Towards Natural Remedies and Homeopathy in General Pediatrics

• Main Authors: André-Michael Beer MD, PhD (Author), Ievgeniia Burlaka MD, PhD (Author), Stephen Buskin MBBCH (Author), Borislav Kamenov MD, PhD (Author), Andrea Pettenazzo MD (Author), Diana Popova MD, PhD (Author), María Pilar Riveros Huckstadt MD (Author), Virgilijus Sakalinskas MD, PhD (Author), Menachem Oberbaum MD (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: SAGE Publishing, 2016-07-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

In order to better understand the global approach and country differences in physicians' usage, knowledge, and attitudes towards natural remedies and homeopathy in pediatric practice, an online survey involving 582 general pediatricians and general practitioners treating pediatric diseases was conducted in 6 countries. Overall, 17% of the pediatric prescriptions refer to phytotherapy and 15% refer to homeopathic preparations. Natural remedies and homeopathic preparations are more frequently used in upper respiratory tract infections, infant colic, sleep disturbances, and recurrent infections. In the majority of cases, they are used together with chemical drugs. Both treatment options are typically used if parents are concerned about side effects of conventional drugs or prefer natural remedies for themselves. Physicians express high interest in natural remedies and homeopathy; however, their knowledge is variable. Lack of proven efficacy, knowledge on mechanism of action, and information on indications are main factors that limit their usage.

Item Description

2333-794X
10.1177/2333794X15625409