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CAM Use and Children: What are the Patterns?
Patterns of CAM Use in Children
The 2007 National Health Interview Survey gathered information on CAM use among more than 9,000 children aged 17 and under. Nearly 12 percent of the children had used some form of CAM during the past 12 months. CAM use was much more likely among children whose parents also used CAM. Adolescents aged 12–17, children with multiple health conditions, and those whose families delayed or did not use conventional medical care because of cost were also more likely to use CAM. The accompanying figures show survey findings on CAM use by children, including top therapies and diseases/conditions.
In addition, a 2001 survey of 745 members of the American Academy of Pediatrics found that 87 percent of pediatricians had been asked about CAM therapies by a patient or a parent in the 3 months prior to the survey. The pediatricians were asked most often about herbs and dietary supplements.
The ten most popular CAM therapies used in children in 2007 (NIH.gov): Natural Products: 3.9% Chiropractic & Osteopathic: 2.8% Deep Breathing: 2.2% Yoga: 2.1% Homeopathic: 1.3% Traditional Healers: 1.1% Massage: 1%
Meditation: 1% Diet Based Therapies: 0.8% Progressive Relaxation: 0.5%
And, What Conditions are They Hoping to Improve? Back and Neck Pain: 6.7% Head and Chest Cold: 6.6% Anxiety/Stress: 4.8% Musculoskeletal: 4.2% ADHD: 2.5% Insomnia: 1.8% Won't it be fun to see the data for 2008 and 2009? No doubt, the numbers will be higher, especially considering the interest in diet based therapies for children.
Patterns of CAM use in Children |
