Abstract
Purpose
Internationally acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) is a common illness in children and sometimes with dire consequences. ARTI not only affects children’s physical health status, but it also impacts on the hospital system and community healthcare providers. Some parents use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in their children for ARTI. The purpose of this study was to explore this knowledge gap of the CAM strategies utilised of parents when managing ARTI in their children and the influences on decision making underpinning these behaviours.
Method
This national study used a quantitative descriptive survey design using cross-sectional data from an anonymous online survey that explored parent’s CAM usage in their children age 0-12 years with ARTI in the last 12 months, as well as decision-making behind this.
Results
The final sample of 246 primary carers data was predominantly female, aged 25-65 years. The most common treatment ARTI for children utilised by parents for ARTI is chest rub or herbal liniment. The principal reason for a parent to utilise CAM for ARTI was personal health philosophy. Formal education, CAM practitioners and journals influenced their decision-making. Many of the parents consulted CAM and biomedical practitioners with a desire for integrated healthcare.
Conclusion
Parent home remedies dominate their choice of management strategies. This research shone a light on the concept that this group of parents are making well-informed decisions influenced by education and journals driven by their underlying personal philosophy. Finally, the parent preferred a truly integrated approach to healthcare.
Internationally acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) is a common illness in children and sometimes with dire consequences. ARTI not only affects children’s physical health status, but it also impacts on the hospital system and community healthcare providers. Some parents use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in their children for ARTI. The purpose of this study was to explore this knowledge gap of the CAM strategies utilised of parents when managing ARTI in their children and the influences on decision making underpinning these behaviours.
Method
This national study used a quantitative descriptive survey design using cross-sectional data from an anonymous online survey that explored parent’s CAM usage in their children age 0-12 years with ARTI in the last 12 months, as well as decision-making behind this.
Results
The final sample of 246 primary carers data was predominantly female, aged 25-65 years. The most common treatment ARTI for children utilised by parents for ARTI is chest rub or herbal liniment. The principal reason for a parent to utilise CAM for ARTI was personal health philosophy. Formal education, CAM practitioners and journals influenced their decision-making. Many of the parents consulted CAM and biomedical practitioners with a desire for integrated healthcare.
Conclusion
Parent home remedies dominate their choice of management strategies. This research shone a light on the concept that this group of parents are making well-informed decisions influenced by education and journals driven by their underlying personal philosophy. Finally, the parent preferred a truly integrated approach to healthcare.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 12 Jul 2021 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | International Conference on Traditional Medicine and Phytochemistry - Online Duration: 12 Jul 2021 → 14 Jul 2021 https://smhs.gwu.edu/oimh/events/online-international-conference-traditional-medicine-and-phytochemistry#:~:text=The%20Traditional%20Medicine%20organizing%20committee,July%2012%2D14%2C%202021. |
Conference
| Conference | International Conference on Traditional Medicine and Phytochemistry |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | TMED-2021 |
| Period | 12/07/21 → 14/07/21 |
| Internet address |