Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use among Children with Asthma in the Egyptian Context

Background: The popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is growing globally among adult and pediatric populations, but little is known about its use in children with Asthma in Egypt. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore CAM use among children with asthma in Egypt. Sample: The convenient sample of 550 mothers of children with asthma. Design: A descriptive correlational cross-sectional design was used to conduct the study. Sitting: The study was conducted in Cairo University Specialized Pediatric Hospital at out-patient clinic Tools: Data were collected using a questionnaire sheet designed by the researchers. Included demographic profile, mothers were asked about CAM use including dietary supplement (DS) and non-DS remedies. Results: The majority of women were young with a mean age of twenty six, live in Cairo, unemployed; secondary schools educated, and were multi-gravida. The mean age of the children was three and more than half of them were male .The majority of mothers used some type of CAM remedy for their kids. The most common types used as DS including: Anise seeds& herbal cough. Only few mothers were used Non –DS remedies. The most commonly used ND remedies were massaging the child chest with olive oil and spiritual healing. Relatives, friends and neighbors were the main source of information about CAM for the majority of the mothers. Decrease the respiratory secretions, improve breathing patterns, no side effect were the most important reasons of using CAM as mentioned by the mothers .Eighty-sex percent of mothers were willing to discuss the use of CAM with their doctors or nurses but were not asked. There was a significant positive correlation between’s mother usage of CAM for themselves and their usage for their kids. Conclusion: The prevalence of reported CAM use among Egyptian children with asthma was high with dietary remedies being the most popular modalities. CAM use was associated with older child’s age and perceived poor asthma control. Key words :( Complementary and Alternative Medicine- Dietary Supplement - Non Dietary Supplement remedies - children with asthma