Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Children Under Five Years in Primary Health Care Centers in Bahrain

Abstract

Introduction: There is an increase in use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). We aimed to assess the prevalence of CAM use by parents for their children aged less than five years; common types used and factors influencing their use. Methods: This cross sectional study was done by interviewing parents of children aged less than 5 years attending primary health care centers in Bahrain between the period of 15th May till 30th of June 2014. Results: Prevalence of CAM use was found to be 93.3%. Most common types used were natural therapy (86.7%). Among factors related to CAM use; health center & nationality were the only significant ones. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates high prevalence of CAM use among parents for their children aged less than five years. Family and friends are the main source of recommendation for CAM use, and majority of parents do inform their physicians about CAM use.